USA > Pennsylvania > Encyclopedia of genealogy and biography of the state of Pennsylvania with a compendium of history. A record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation, Volume I > Part 11
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When war was declared and troops were required by the govern- ment, Governor Snyder's call was answered by a number three times as great as the quota of the state. The military establishment of Penn- sylvania at that time was in excellent condition in respect to number and drill, but somewhat deficient in quality of arms. But they came at the
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call, and such as were needed were mustered into service. No battles were fought within the borders of this state, and no enemy invaded its territory. The men of Pennsylvania were called into other states, and they fought at Black Rock. Lundy's Lane. Niagara, and on Lake Erie: assisted in the respulse of the British on the Chesapeake, and shared in the victory at New Orleans. On one occasion General Tannehill's bri- gade of two thousand militia crossed over from Niagara into Canada and invested British territory; and this they did when the militia of an ad- joining state refused to go beyond United States territory in pursuit of an enemy. At Lundy's Lane General Brown (then living at Browns- ville in Jefferson county, New York, but a native of Bucks county. Pern- sylvania ) said to Major Miller : "Can you take that battery ?" : to which the latter answered : "I can try, sir." This brief dialogue shows some- thing of the temper and fighting qualities of the Pennsylvania militia. Major Miller was an Adams county officer.
The most notable achievement during the war of 1812-15 in which Pennsylvania was directly concerned was Perry's victory over the British fleet on Lake Erie in September, 1813. The honor of the victory itself was shared by Perry and his officers and men, but it was through the suggestion of Daniel Dobbins, of Erie, that the authorities at Washing- ton decided to build a fleet for the purpose of driving the British from the lakes. Captain Daniel Dobbins was the owner and master of a trad- ing vessel, and had been made to feel the effects of British supremacy on the lakes, having been captured and held prisoner at Detroit in 1812. After his release he went to Washington and laid the matter before the president and his advisers, and with such effect that he returned to Erie with orders to build two gunbeats for service on Lake Erie. Later on he was authorized to build two sloops of war, and on the arrival of Perry in March following the keels were laid and much of the material for
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building was ready to be put together. All of this work had been done by Dobbins with such assistance as could be procured in the western part of the state. Every stick of timber used in the work was cut from the stump in the forests of Erie county and its vicinity.
Erie was chosen as the place for fitting out the fleet because of its comparatively safe harbor. Four of Perry's vessels were built here and five others were made ready for service in Scajaqnada creek. During the process of construction Perry went back and forth between the two places, urging on the work with all the energy of his nature. He has- tened it by adding men from New York and Philadelphia, drew his supplies from Pittsburg and Buffalo, and late in the summer launched his vessels in the waters of Lake Erie. He sent to the naval authorities at Washington an urgent request for men and officers, with the promise to "have the enemy's ships in a day or two." The daring young com- mander made good his promise and on September 10 sent out the famous message : "We have met the enemy, and they are ours."
Perry's victory gave control of the lakes to the Americans, and was a serious blow to the British. Perry was rewarded by Congress and Pennsylvania, and was honored with the congratulations of the whole country. Some of his officers were likewise remembered, and the sturdy Pennsylvanians who cut the forest trees, built the fleet, guarded the work as it progressed, and then rallied under arms at Perry's call. were re- warded with the proud honor of having served their country, having done a splendid work, and having been instrumental in sweeping the British from the lakes.
Before the attack upon and destruction of Washington, the national capital. the president called on Governor Snyder for more troops, and the loyal executive immediately ordered out the militia from the counties on the southern borders of the state. The men were rendezvoused at
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York, Carlisle, and Marcus Hook, but soon marched to Washington and took part in the attempt to repulse the invaders. The battle of New Orleans and the surrender of the British ended active hostilities between the warring powers. A peace was concluded, and was ratified by the treaty of Ghent, February 17, 1815. The United States was not again to wage war with a foreign foe until the closing years of the nineteenth century.
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CHAPTER VII.
THE COMMONWEALTH FROM 1815 TO 1860.
Governor Snyder's course during the war was commended by the people of the state almost without distinction of party. He was ably seconded by a friendly legislature, and there was not at any time the possibility of a return of the unfortunate relations of the executive and legislative branches of the government which existed during the Revolu- tion. With the restoration of peace, the administration turned once more to civil affairs, and considered seriously, yet conservatively, the question of internal improvements, which had lain dormant during the war. The advocates of an elaborate system of canals and railroads were now pressing their demands upon the legislature ; and even the governor himself was not permitted to escape their importunities.
The time had now come when something must be done. Many of the chartered companies had failed, and projected improvements were unfinished. It was urged that the commonwealth take up the work and construct a system of canals and railroads across the state. But the advocates of this enterprise were doomed to disappointment, for a time at least, as it was not until several years afterward that Pennsylvania turned builder in fact, although its legislature did extend assistance to various corporations and thus saved them from complete financial ruin. The canal enterprise was urged by nearly all the best influence of the state, and there seemed to be no political division on that subject ; but the time was not yet ripe and it remained for a later administration than Snyder's to take the important step.
As Governor Snyder's third term in office was nearing its and the
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Democratic party in the state became divided against itself on the ques- tion of caucus nomination, by which Congress and the legislature de- clared their preferences for presidential and gubernatorial candidates. The subject was discussed with considerable warmth within the Demo- cratie household, and finally resulted in a division of the party, the new school advocates nominating William Findlay, who now had become a prominent figure in political circles. The adherents to the old system opposed Findlay with Joseph Hester, who was supposed to be a tower of strength with the German voters, and who did control them to a large extent. but not enough to overcome the regular Democratic candidate. It was not Findlay's personal popularity that carried him through so sie- cessfully, but the progressive principle he stood for. Hiester was favored by the Federalists, but their vote was about offset by that of the inde- pendents, who wanted the new system to have a fair trial.
In 1817 Findlay was elected by a small majority, and served one terin in the governor's chair. He had just come from his last term in Congress, and much was expected of him by his supporters. He began well, and favored the plan of internal improvements which made its reappearance in modified and more elaborate form with each change in governor's chair : but his administration was greatly embarrassed by con- tinued strife within his own party. The executive had many offices to fill by appointment, but to fill them to the satisfaction of the elements that had supported him was out of the question. The attempt to do this proved Findlay's undoing, and while he was unanimously nominated for re-election. Hiester, who again opposed him, was chosen in his stead. However, after a prolonged struggle, Findlay was elected to a seat in the United States senate.
Findlay was an aggressive character by nature and acquirement, but 1 15 neither oppressive nor abusive, except to political foes. In this he
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was only true to his Scotch-trish ancestry : but he was also true to his Scotch-Irish friends : they had done much for him, and he was grateful enough to return the kindness. although in doing so he made many enemies.
Joseph Hiester served one term as governor, from 1820 to 1823. and declined a renomination. His tastes and ambitions were directly opposite to those of his predecessor, for naturally he shrank from the turmoil and strife of party politics. He knew of the troubles which had beset Findlay, and desired to avoid them during his own term. In his first message he urged the legislature to lessen the power of the execu- tive, and correspondingly increase that of the legislature. He did not accomplish all he sought. but his action was a notice to clamorous place- hunters that the governor was not in full sympathy with the spoils
system. Still. Hiester made many changes, and surrounded his admin- istration with capable officials. Honest and conscientious himself, he in- sisted on those qualities in those around him. He did not attempt to influence the legislature in the senatorial contest that extended through nearly two years of his term, but devoted himself wholly to the legitimate questions of importance pertaining to the public welfare.
He listened to the appeals for a state system of canals more extensive than that proposed for New York, and approved several bills granting charters and financial assistance to canal and turnpike companies. He favored a liberal system of education to be enjoyed alike by all classes, and suggested general religious instruction. There was shown sub- stantial progress in Pennsylvania during Hiester's term. The resources of the state were being developed more extensively than ever before, and private enterprise was gradually extending the means of transportation from the markets of Philadelphia to the sources of supply in the interior regions of the state. Iron mining and manufacturing were being carried
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on to some extent. Coal had come to be accepted as a valuable fuel com- modity, and both in unlimited quantities were awaiting suitable means of shipment
John Andrew Schulze was elected governor of Pennsylvania in October, 1823. and served two terms. He was the regular Democratic nominee, and was opposed by Andrew Gregg, a former Democrat, but then the candidate of the Federalists. In many respects Shulze was unlike any of his predecessors in office. He was not without experience in politics, for he had served several years in the lower house of the legislature, and a shorter term in the senate. He did not assume to know the needs of the state better than the legislature, and prudently left the originating power to the discretion of the two houses of that body. lle thus avoided entanglements and kept himself comparatively free from the importunities of the "friends of legislation." He was deeply inter- ested in the cause of education, and succeeded in securing the passage of an act providing for the education of all children between the ages of six and fourteen years at the public expense, but the privilege to any child was not to extend beyond three years. The law was vigorously opposed in certain quarters, and was repealed in 1826. It contained many excellent features and generally was an improvement over the previous law. but in some respects its provisions were opposed ; hence the repealing act.
During Shulze's term the state began the great work of connecting tule-water at Philadelphia with Lake Erie by a system of canals and railroads. After the question of route had been discussed and agreed upon, an appropriation was made for beginning the work in 1827. A board of canal commissioners was created and everything promised a favorable result from the undertaking. The state borrowed money from the banks to carry on the work, but the governor favored a plan of taxa-
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tion without encumbering the commonwealth with an interest-bearing debt. The times were good, every business enterprise prospered, the pursuits of agriculture yielded well to the husbandman, the mines were beginning to send forth their products to paying markets, and manufac- turing industries were employing thousands of workmen in various parts of the state. Indeed, it was argued. this was an era of peace and plenty ; the state would soon begin to receive canal and railroad tolls in excess of the cost of maintenance. and the revenues would pay both interest and principal. The governor could foresee the evil consequences of unlim- ited borrowing, but in spite of his remonstrances, six million dollars had been advanced before the end of his second term, and the work of con- struction was far from completion.
George Wolf came into the gubernatorial office in 1829, and served two terms. He found that $8.300,000 had already been borrowed on the credit of the state, for canal construction, and that nearly half as much more would be required to complete the main line. The governor applied . himself diligently to this task and had the satisfaction to witness the opening of the main line of the public works from Philadelphia to Pitts- burg, comprising one hundred and twenty-six miles of railroad and two hundred and ninety-two miles of navigable canal. This line was com- pleted and put in operation in 1831. The occasion was one of general rejoicing, and was shared in by the people of the entire state. A seem- ingly impossible undertaking had been accomplished. and Pittsburg and the entire upper regions of the Susquehanna, Allegheny, Ohio, Juniata, and other rivers coukl now send their shipments of products of the soil. and the mines, and the forests, and the factories, to profitable markets in Philadelphia and elsewhere on tide-water. It was indeed a great event, and in its completion Pennsylvania was placed on an equal footing with New York state in convenient canal facilities.
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As has been stated. this great enterprise originated in the minds of a jew Pennsylvanians soon after the close of the Revolution. They urged it and continued to urge the question, in season and out of season. through the period of the war of 1812-15. and not one governor and not a single legislature was permitted to escape their importunities until the act was passed and approved that authorized the beginning of the work : and the same faithful Pennsylvanians held faithfully to their enterprise until this commonwealth was provided with as good a canal as was "De Witt Clinton's ditch" in New York state, as the Erie canal was sometimes called.
The completion of the main line of public works was not the com- pletion of the canal system undertaken by the state. There was a mania for canal building, and every section of the state possible to be reached by an artificial waterway asked for an extension. Candidates for the legislature were selected on the canal issue until it seemed as if the territory of the state was to be "gridironed" with canals-if the claims and petitions of applicants were gratified. As it was. the state went into the business on wholesale seale, and spent more than twenty-five million dollars for branches and extensions. The action was severely criticised. but more on account of the schemes and irregularities of unscrupulous operators than the want of honesty on the part of the legislature. The entire work was not finished during Wolf's term, nor that of several of his successors. Indeed, some sections and branches were in course of construction when the state began selling them to incorporated companies.
Governor Wolf, like Shulze, was in favor of improvement of the common school system, but as yet the most practicable and satisfactory plan of action had not been settled. Every governor from Millin's time had favored "education for the poor gratis." but when during Shulze's terin a more comprehensive act provided for the education of all children
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between the ages of six and fourteen years at the public expense. there was such a clamor against it that the law was repealed. Wolf, in a mes- sage to the legislature in 1830-31. urged the adoption of a general and uniform school system, and his efforts were aided by the work of the "Pennsylvania Society for the Promotion of Public Schools." In answer to many appeals the legislature in 1830-31 did provide for a common school fund. the interest of which was to be distributed and used as future legislation should determine. This was something, but not much ; the society had made a gain and was encouraged to continue its work of enlightening the minds of the voting people on the subject of education. Meetings were held throughout the state, and members of the legislature were frequently chosen on that issue alone.
On March 15. 1834. the legislature passed " An Act to Establish a General System of Education by Common Schools." there being but one vote against it in the house, and only three in the senate. However, before the new law had been given a fair trial there sprung up against it a strong opposition, particularly in the interior counties of the state. It was a decided improvement on former legislation, but its provisions did not suit the people of all localities and nationalities, hence they rose up against it and demanded its repeal. So widespread was the disaffec- tion that in March. 1835. the senate repealed the act, thirteen of nineteen senators who the year before had voted for the measure changing their attitude and voting for repeal. In the house the members were inclined to more careful action although the repeal sentiment was rapidly gaining ground. In this critical hour the friends of the law as it stood found an able champion and advocate in Thaddeus Stevens, who had recently come into the state and was beginning to attract attention in the halls of legisla- tion. Stevens had come from Vermont, and after teaching as assistant in the academy at York, he began the practice of law. He rose rapidly
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and soon was elected to the lower house of the legislature. He favored the new school law, and, when its life was threatened, he came nobly to the rescue, and with the logic and eloquence that he alone possessed, the members were persuaded to let the act stand.
Stevens was afterward regarded as the especial friend of education. and his service in saving the school law of 1834 from repeal was amply rewarded. In 1848 he was elected to Congress, and served in that body fourteen years. He was one of the ablest statesmen of his time, and one of the strongest defenders of the Union and the most bitter abolitionist Pennsylvania could boast preceding and during the late Civil war.
After the passage of the new school act, and the unsuccessful at- tempt to repeal it, political campaigns were carried on with public educa- tion as the paramount issue. Wolf had stood firmly by the law, and was supported by the friends of the advanced system, but Rev. H. A. Muhlen- berg drew upon the governor's strength and thus gave the anti-Mason and Whig candidate, Joseph Ritner, a majority at the polls. Ritner also favored the law, but many of his supporters were opposed to it. He advocated state aid to the common schools, and through his influence. aided by that of Thomas Il. Burrowes, secretary of the commonwealth and superintendent of common schools, the annual appropriation for schools was increased from $75.000 to $400,000.
The people had by this time become somewhat reconciled to the provisions and requirements of the school act, and had begun to appre- ciate the benefits derived from its operation. There still remained con- siderable opposition to it, but this did not embarrass Ritner's administra- tion. The public works were in operation, and the revenues from that source were not sufficient to justify the old assertion that they would be more than self supporting. Again, a large amount of paper money had been issued during the work of construction, and this the governor
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wanted reduced to within "the actual value and amount of its principal." At the time this was a difficult undertaking, as gold and silver money were scarce and practically out of circulation, owing to the conditions which prevailed during the panic of 1837 and the period of business depression that followed.
During the period referred to, Pennsylvania interests did not suffer more than those in other states, neither was there a greater convulsion in political circles here than elsewhere. Pennsylvania was in a measure sustained by the increasing development of her natural resources, and this. with the prudent action of the administration, helped to carry the people over the rough seas of depression, and preserve the integrity of the com- monwealth. During this period another convention began the work of revision, and the constitution of 1838 was the result. It was another step in the direction of progress, and by it many old-time customs were swept away, to be replaced with a system of government more in keeping with the spirit of the times, more in conformity to modern requirements. and more conducive to the welfare and dignity of the commonwealth. The amendments were ratified at the October election in 1838, but the majority in their favor was small.
In the political contest of the year Ritner was defeated, and David R. Porter was elected governor. Charges of traud were made by Ritner's friends, but Porter was seated without question. When the legislature met in December, the Whigs and anti-Masons held the senate majority. but the lower house was claimed by the Democrats. Both sides elected speakers, both occupied the platform, and both attempted to organize the house. There was much feeling, and the natural result was several per- sonal collisions and great confusion. The senate was drawn into the strife and was forced to adjourn. Ritner ordered out the militia to restore order, and an unsuccessful attempt was made to call the United
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States troops from Carlisle to the capital. The presence of the soldiers. and an opportunity for reflection by the belligerent factions, brought the legislators to their senses, after which the senate recognized the De!no- cratic organization in the house. This event in Pennsylvania political history was known as "The Buck-shot War."
Governor Porter was in office six years, and gave the state a faithful administration. He had to deal with many difficult questions of state and party policy, among which were those of finance and taxation, the compulsion of specie payments by the state banks, the defense of the German language. and retention of the custom of printing the laws in German as well as English. This action gave him a wide popularity with the German-speaking population, which then numbered about one- third of the voting strength of the state. They had opposed the school laws because they thought it would eliminate the German language from the schools, and when it was proposed to stop printing the laws in Ger- man. the action was looked upon by that people as a blow at their liberties. Porter saved them, however, and until 1856 the laws were printed both in English and German.
During the latter part of Governor Porter's term, the old anti- Mason party, as it was called, began to dissolve from its own weakness. and out of its elements, together with a moderate acquisition of strength from other sources, there came into existence a new political organiza- tion, called the Native American party. It declared a purpose to reform the naturalization laws, advocated reading the Bible in the public schools. and insisted on the election or appointment to office of none but native Americans. The leaders of the new party secured a large following, and "American Republican Associations" were organized in all the large cities. The dissemination of its doctrine and literature in Philadelphia. which was composed largely of foreigners, led to serious trouble, and
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in April and May, 1844. the city was the scene of disorder. rioting and outrage. When the municipal authorities were no longer able to restrain the rioters, Governor Porter ordered General Patterson to suppress the disorder with the militia. For a time the disturbers were overawed by the presence of armed troops, but the troubles were soon renewed. There followed a collision between the troops and the people, and several per- sons were killed. Intense excitement prevailed, and the governor went in person to the scene of trouble. Through his efforts the turbulence was quieted.
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