Historical and biographical annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania, embracing a concise history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I, Part 11

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846; J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1018

USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Historical and biographical annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania, embracing a concise history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I > Part 11

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Grand Sachems .- The sachems of the Lenni Lenâpé, from the time of the first English settle- ments till the Indians retreated before the onward march of civilization and eventually disappeared en- tirely from this part of our country, were, in suc- cession, Kekerappan, Opekasset, Taminent, Allum- apees (who was afterward also called Sassoonan) and Teedyuscung. They had their headquarters at Minisink, on the Delaware river, some miles above the Blue Mountain (now in Pike county), and also at Shamokin, on Shamokin creek (in Berks county

of another; and that they were exact observers of the rights of property. "They are not disquieted with bills of lading and exchange," said he, "nor perplexed with chancery suits and exchequer reck- onings. We sweat and toil to live; they take pleas- ure in hunting, fishing and fowling, which feeds them. They spread their table on the ground any- where, and eat twice a day, morning and evening. They care for little for they want but little. If they are ignorant of our pleasures, they are free from our pains."

The Indians, in their peculiar savage life, pos- sessed, on the one hand, certain personal virtues- a high sense of honor (according to their concep- tions of duty), mutual fidelity among individuals, fortitude that mocked the most cruel torments and devotion to their own tribe, for whose welfare they were ready to make any sacrifice; but, on the other hand, they had no appreciation of domestic virtues, for they treated their wives with cruelty and their children with indifference. They were gloomy, stern and severe, and strangers to mirth and laugh- ter. They permitted no outward expression of pain. Remarkable indifference to the good or ill of life was one of the peculiar elements of their character ; and they exhibited no pleasure in anything, save boisterous joy in the moment of victory. They had a great aversion to regular labor, and yet they were capable of enduring the greatest possible exertions during the chase or times of war. They were ex- tremely improvident. When they had an abundance of food and liquor they ate and drank great quan- tities, not thinking of the morrow and the famine

They believed in the existence of a Supreme Being, and of a Being in a subordinate position. The former was the Great Spirit to them which did not require prayers for aid and protection, but the latter was looked upon as hostile to them, and to this they addressed their worship. And they also believed in a future state, where the souls of brave warriors and chaste wives enjoyed a happy exist- ence with their ancestors and friends. Their fun- erals were conducted with great decorum. They dressed the deceased persons in their best clothes, and disposed of their bodies in various ways and in different places, some in the air on scaffolds, some in the water, and some in the earth. They also practised cremation.

rival of the Europeans, consisted of three articles -a cloak of buffalo skin (which hung from the

The general dress of the Indian in the temperate for a period of twenty years, and since 1772 in the and cold parts of the country, previous to the ar- eastern part of Northumberland county).

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS .- The early settlers of Pennsylvania found the Indians possessed of a shoulders), a piece of skin used as an apron, and kindly disposition and inclined to share with them a pair of moccasins or loose boots, manufactured the comforts of their rude dwelling-places. When out of undressed skin. The women wore a long they were guests of the Indians, their persons were robe of buffalo skin which was fastened around regarded as sacred. Penn said that they excelled the waist.

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Their habitations were huts or cabins, generally 1750, these settlers had even occupied tracts of of a circular form, constructed of poles fixed in land beyond the mountain, reaching as far north the ground and tied together at the top. The outer as the sources of the Schuylkill river. And thus covering consisted of the bark of trees. A hole it appears, as the settlers pressed forward, the In- was left open at the top for ventilation or the es- dians retreated westward. cape of smoke. Beds and seats were made out of skins. The diameter of some huts was thirty feet, and even forty.

The painting of their bodies was a universal cus- tom. Tattooing was practised. Some painted only their arms; others both arms and legs. Those who had attained the summit of renown in suc- cessful warfare had their bodies painted from the waist upward. This was the heraldry of the In- dians. Besides this ornamentation, the warriors also carried plumes of feathers on their heads.

Their weapons consisted of the tomahawk, knife, reservation of land in the State of Ohio. In 1818,

club, and bow and arrow. When the Dutch arrived the rifle was introduced to them; and then the In- dians became as expert in the use of this weapon as they had been in the use of the tomahawk and bow and arrow.

They subsisted chiefly on wild game and fish. They were great hunters and fishers. In the use of the spear in fishing they were very successful. They carried on agriculture to a limited extent in raising maize, beans and pumpkins. But the labor was performed entirely by their women.

Each tribe was governed by an elected chief and council. In matters of great importance all the warriors were consulted. In their deliberations, questions were decided by the consent of all, not by a majority. Their assemblies were conducted with great formality. Their debates were carried on by set speeches which abounded in bold figures and bursts of impassioned eloquence. The oldest chief always commenced the discussion. The young men were permitted to attend, but not to speak.

They conducted their warfare in a particular and peculiar manner. They declared war by sending a slave with a hatchet (the handle of which was painted red) to the offending party. In taking the field for action, they proceeded in small squads; and from the time of entering the enemy's territory to some tribes, but failed in respect to others.

they killed no game, they lighted no fires, they made no disturbance of any kind; but they advanced with the utmost caution, not even speaking to one an- other, only communicating by signs and motions. In making an attack, they would first lie flat a whole night, and at the break of day, upon the signal of the chief, rush upon the enemy. If they succeeded (as they generally did succeed in such a quiet but deliberate mode of warfare) their horrifying deeds baffled description.

RETREAT OF INDIANS .- The Indians having moved north of the Blue Mountain in 1732, the Friends then entered and took up large tracts of land in the Maiden-creek Valley ( Ontelaunee Sec- tion). Within the previous decade, a small colony of Germans had settled in the Tulpehocken Valley, having migrated thither from New York against the complaints and protests of the Indians. Before

In 1749, the Delaware Indians left the great region beyond the Blue Mountain for thousands of square miles, and they departed with the firm intention of remaining away. But shortly after- ward, having been deceived by misrepresentations of the French, they returned, not to retake pos- session, but to murder the settlers. In this mali- cious invasion, they were very successful, and they kept the country in an unsettled condition for eight years. Then they fled, never to return. In 1789, the general government placed them on a large they were located in Missouri. Numerous removals followed during the next fifty years, when, in 1866, they accepted land in severalty in the Indian Ter- ritory.

A popular notion prevails that the Indian tribes are disappearing and their numbers growing less. But it has been ascertained that, though certain tribes have decreased in number, and others even disappeared entirely, many of the tribes have in- creased; and therefore the Indian population, as a whole, in North America, has not decreased very much since the advent of the Europeans. In 1880 there were in the United States 306,543 Indians (of which 240.136 were on reservations and 66.407 were civilized) ; in 1890, 248,253; in 1900, 237,- 196; and in 1908, the number was estimated at 300,412.

The general policy of our government has been, for some years past, to treat with the Indian .tribes in a respectful manner, purchase their lands, place them upon certain reservations, where they are re- quired to remain, and appropriate supplies for them in the nature of food, clothing, arms and ammuni- tion. In this manner the government has been hu- manely endeavoring to civilize them. And it has accomplished considerable good results in respect

INDIAN NAMES .- All the prominent streams in the county have been given Indian names ; also two townships and two mountains. These names are as follows :

Angelica-

Antictam-

Allegheny-Fair water.

Ganshowchanne-Roaring or tumbling stream. This is now known as the Schuylkill. In old deeds it is called Manaiunk, the signification of which word was a mother of streams.

Gokhosing-Place of owls; now Cacoosing. Kau-ta-tin-chunk-Endless (applied formerly, now changed, to Blue Mountain).

Lcchauwecki-Place of forks: now Lehigh.

Machksithannc-Bear's-path creek: now Maxa- tawny.

Maschilamchanne-Trout stream : now Moselem_

ERECTION OF COUNTY

Menakesse-Stream with large bends; now Mo- hundred. The relics of Ezra High, found on Pop- lar Neck, were presented to the Historical Society of Berks County.

nocacy.

Menhaltanink-Where we drank liquor; now Manatawny.

Navesink-Place of fishing; now Neversink.

Olink-Hole, cavern or cell; also a cove or tract of land encompassed by hills; now Oley.

Ontelaunee-Little maiden ; now Maiden creek.

Pakihmomink-Place of cranberries ; now Perki- omen.

Sakunk-Place of outlet, where a smaller stream empties into a larger ; now Sacony ; also Saucon.

Sinne-hanne-Stony stream; now Stony creek.

Sipuas-hanne-A plum stream; now Plum creek. Tamaque-hanne-Beaver stream-a stream across which the beaver throws a dam; now Beaver creek ; also changed to Little Schuylkill.

Tulpewihaki-Land of turtles; now Tulpehocken. Wyomissing-

VILLAGES .- Some of the Indians had villages in this district of territory. They were located in different sections, more particularly, however, along the Schuylkill and its principal tributaries, and known as follows:

1. Angelica-opposite "Neversink," at mouth of Angelica creek.

2. Ganshowehanne-in the central section, ad- joining the Schuylkill, near the northern base of "Neversink," at the mouth of Rose Valley creek, the place being included in Reading.

3. Machksithanne-in the northern section, the place being now in Maxatawny township, near Kutztown.

4. Maschilamehanne-situate some miles east of Sakunk, on the stream of the same name, now known as Moselem.

5. Sakunk-in the northern section, on the Maiden creek in Richmond township at the mouth of the Sakunk creek, now called Sacony.

6. Menhaltanink-at a large spring now in Am- ity township, several miles northeast of Douglass- ville.

7. Navesink-a short distance below the southern base of "Neversink," near the Big Dam, on the Deturck farm; and it is believed that a village was also in the "Poplar Neck" on the High farm.

8. Olink-in Oley township, a short distance south of Friedensburg, on land included in the Bertolet farm. And it is believed that a large vil- lage was situated several miles to the eastward, on the Lee farm, adjoining the Manatawny creek.

9. Tulpewehaki-in the western section of the county, a short distance east of Stouchsburg, near the Tulpehocken creek.

Henry K. Deisher, of Kutztown, has a superb collection, local as well as general, the total number- ing upward of twenty thousand. [See mention of it in the Borough of Kutztown, Chapter XI; also in his biographical sketch, which appears in this publication.]

PURCHASE OF TERRITORY.

Immediately after Penn had obtained his charter for the province from King Charles II. in 1681, and had begun his administration of its various affairs, he negotiated with the Indians for the purchase of their lands. He regarded them as the rightful own- ers of the territory by virtue of their possession. Many purchases were made by him. He gave in consideration for the land mostly articles which the Indians regarded as useful, such as blankets, coats, guns, powder, lead, etc. Comparatively little money was paid to them. Rum was occasionally given.

There are two deeds for lands in Berks county in which we are particularly interested. One is dated Sept. 7, 1732. It is from Sassoonan,, alias Allummapis, sachem of the Schuylkill Indians, Ela- lapis, Ohopamen, Pesqueetomen, Mayeemoe, Par- tridge and Tepakoaset, alias Joe, on behalf of them- selves and all the other Indians of the said nation, unto John Penn, Thomas Penn, and Richard Penn. The territory contained in the grant is described as follows :

All those tracts of land lying on or near the river Schuylkill, in the said province, or any of the branches, streams, fountains or springs thereof, eastward or west- ward, and all the lands lying in or near any swamps, marshes, fens or meadows, the waters or streams of which flow into or toward the said river Schuylkill, situate, lying and being between those hills, called Lechay Hills, and those called Keekachtanemin Hills, which cross the said river Schuylkill about thirty miles above the said Lechay Hills, and all land whatsoever lying within the said bounds; and between the branches of Delaware river, on the eastern side of the said land, and the branches or streams running into the river Susquehannah, on the western side of the said land, together with all mines, minerals, quarries. waters, rivers, creeks, woods, timber and trees, with all and every the appurtenances, etc.

The consideration mentioned in the deed con- sisted of the following articles :

20 brass kettles, 100 stroudwater matchcoats of two yards each, 100 duffels do., 100 blankets, 100 yards of half tick, 60 linen shirts, 20 hats, 6 made coats, 12 pair of shoes and buckles, 30 pair of stockings, 300 lbs. of gun powder, 600 lbs. of lead, 20 fine guns, 12 gun-locks, 50 tomahawks or hatchets, 50 planting hoes, 120 knives, 60 pair of scissors, 100 tobacco tongs, 24 looking-glasses, 40 tobacco boxes, 1000 flints, 5 lbs. of paint, 24 dozen of gartering, 6 dozen of ribbons. 12 dozen of rings, 200 awl blades, 100 lbs. of tobacco, 400 tobacco pipes, 20 gallons of rum and 50 pounds in money.

INDIAN RELICS .- A large number of Indian relics have been found in different parts of the county, numbering about twenty thousand. Many of them were found at certain places where villages were The other deed is dated Aug. 22, 1749. It is from nine different tribes of Indians unto Thomas situated. Over sixty-five hundred were found on and in the vicinity of Poplar Neck and Lewis's Penn and Richard Penn. The several tribes were Neck. Prof. David B. Brunner secured a large represented by their chiefs, who appeared and exe- individual collection, numbering over forty-three cuted the deed in their behalf. The consideration

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

was £500 lawful money of Pennsylvania. The tract uting territory toward the erection of another coun- of land conveyed lay north of the Blue Mountain, ty. Many surprising developments had been made. and extended from the Delaware on the east to the Susquehanna on the west. It included the whole of Schuylkill county. Conrad Weiser was the in- terpreter for the Indians in this transfer.

The lower section of the county, lying south- ward of the South Mountain (or "Lechay Hill"), had been released by the Indians in 1718, it having been included in previous purchases of territory.

REDUCTIONS OF TERRITORY

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY .- As nearly as it was possible to do so, the provincial government kept the settlers from going beyond the limits of the purchases from the Indians. After the purchase of 1749, the settlers extended the settlements be- yond the Blue Mountain. Within the next score of years, numerous settlements were made in that territory, especially in the district which lies be- tween the Blue Mountain and "Schneid Berg" (Sharp Mountain, named so from the sharpness of its apex). Many persons located beyond the pur- chase, in the vicinity of the great fork in the Sus- quehanna (Shamokin, now Sunbury) ; and this in- duced the additional purchase of 1768.

not only in settlements and population, but more especially in internal resources. The condition of affairs in the county was equal to that of any sec- tion of the State. Coal was discovered as early as 1775, along the head-waters of the Schuylkill. Its need had come to be felt. It quickened enterprise in developing new means of transportation. Agri- culture had enriched the land wonderfully. Numer- ous furnaces and forges were carried on success- fully, not only in the more populous parts south of the Blue Mountain, but also north of it, even in the vicinity of the coal regions.

The population and improvements beyond the purchases of 1749, when Northumberland county was erected in 1772, were comparatively trifling. But within this purchase they had grown to large proportions when the second county came to be erected out of a part of its territory ; for the popu- lation numbered about six thousand, and the sev- eral townships together contributed over eight hundred dollars in taxes. The new county was erected on March 11, 1811, and called Schuylkill. The greater portion of the territory was taken from Berks county, and the other portion from North- ampton. The portion from Berks had been erected into seven townships, as follows:

Within the next four years, the Governor was persuaded to feel the necessity of erecting another county, even in that remote locality, notwithstand- ing a much larger population existed within the limits of the purchase of 1749. Its distance (aver- Erected Taxables in 1811 aging seventy-five miles) from the county-seat, Brunswick 1768 251 269 Reading, was the principal cause of complaint, and Pine-Grove .1790 359 the prime reason to the Assembly in granting the Manheim Schuylkill 1771 1802 prayer of the petitioners. Northumberland was Norwegian 136 erected on March 21, 1772. It comprised about Mahantango 1802 108 141 1802 108 one-third of the whole State, including the north- Upper-Mahantango 1807 western section. Over three-fifths of Berks county was cut to it. No townships had been formed in 1,372 that section. Immediately after the erection of the OTHER COUNTIES PROPOSED .- Between the years 1824 and 1855, twenty applications were made be- fore the Legislature to establish new counties out new county, townships were formed, and a county- seat was established and laid out at Shamokin, named Sunbury. Fort Augusta, at the fork of the of portions of Berks county, comprising town- river, was a conspicuous place during the French ships in the northern, eastern, southern and west- ern sections, but fortunately they all were unsuc- and Indian war. It was erected in 1756.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY .- Forty years afterward, cessful, notwithstanding the great efforts expended Berks county was again reduced in area by contrib- in that behalf.

CHAPTER II-INDUSTRY OF COUNTY

AGRICULTURE

GENERAL CONDITION AND PROGRESS .- When the first settlers entered this territory, they found it entirely without cultivation or improvement of any kind. The land along the Schuylkill and its tribu- taries was in a primitive state in every respect, but in a good condition for farming purposes. Its lo- cation was fine, its irrigation superior, and al- together it was very inviting to them. Labor stood out prominently before them as the one thing nec- essary to cause it to become fruitful. Fortunately for them, they possessed this personal quality in the highest degree; and with this quality they also possessed other qualities equally important in tak- ing hold of an uncultivated country-economy, per- severance and patience. They were in every way adapted to their situation. Their preparation was of the best order; and driven from their native land by religious persecution, they must have re- joiced in finding such a pleasing situation, such inviting conditions.

After the beginning had been made, can we won- der that immigrants came by the thousand? They knew their sufferings, their uncertain condition at home, and their sense of well-being induced them to leave. But in leaving the valleys and hills so dear to them, they came to possess and enjoy a country equally favored for beauty, for health and

The same slowness, simplicity but earnest labor for profit; and it was more highly favored in res- followed the threshing of grain after it had been pect to a condition which was to them more import- harvested. The flail and the walking of horses ant than all the others combined-freedom. It is on the barn floor were continued for a hundred and surprising to find, in the course of time and govern- ment, the development of a condition for mankind so unfortunate, so objectionable, so discouraging ; but it is equally surprising to find, in the same course of time and government, though in a country far removed, over three thousand miles across a dreaded sea, a condition exactly opposite-fortunate, acceptable and encouraging ! fifty years. Indeed, some of the poor, non-pro- gressive farmers in districts distant from railroads and prominent highways still carry on this labor- ious performance. But about 1840 the threshing machine was introduced; and also the horse-power machine for running it with speed and success. Patent hay-rakes, hay-forks, corn-shellers, and im- plements and machines of various kinds, are also used in every section of our county. All these things were developed because of the ease with which iron could be manufactured into any shape. Accordingly, the foundry played an important part in these improvements; and at the bottom of all this progress we find iron, coal and steam.

The condition of the settlers was encouraging, not only in respect to an acceptable country, but also in respect to their own constitution, physically, mentally and morally. They were strong and en- during in physical development, they were sensible and practical in thought and feeling ; and they were sound, hopeful and trustful in religious convictions. These fitted them admirably for their vocation.

The land was cultivated then as it is now, by manuring and enriching the soil, by turning the sod, by sowing and planting seeds, and by rotat- ing crops; but the manner was infinitely more laborious. Every act was performed by muscular exertion and endurance, with the assistance of horse-power. The plow, the harrow, the scythe, the sickle and the rake were important aids then, and by comparing the past with the present we can readily appreciate the vast difference. Their

farming implements were rude and simple in con- struction and continued so for many years. The whole of the eighteenth century passed away with- out any improvement. The farmer labored on ear- nestly and faithfully year after year, and decade after decade with the same muscular exertion, and these rude implements required him to be at his place all the time if he wished to be in season. But his devotion was equal to the task, for he was up with the sun in the morning; and with the moon in season. He was never behind, for he could not be without great loss and inconvenience. His implements were satisfactory to him, because he gave them no thought beyond the assistance which they afforded. And sons followed in the. footsteps of their fathers, by imitation; and half of the nineteenth century also passed away with- out any material advancement beyond the days of 1700, of 1750, and of 1800. Labor-saving machin- ery had begun to be introduced within a score of years before 1850; and this naturally led to an improvement in farming implements. The mower came to be substituted for the scythe, the reaper for the sickle, and the drill for the hand. Im- proved plows of various patterns were introduced. And now we have the combined reaper and binder, a machine truly ingenious.

We no longer see from ten to thirty or forty persons engaged in haymaking and harvesting on our farms, as they were seen one hundred, indeed, only thirty, years ago. A farmer and his own family, with the aid of his horses and improved farming machinery, can carry on all the work from beginning to end successfully.

During the last fifty years numerous manufac- turing establishments have been erected in our country, and these have caused a great demand for working people; and this demand has been supplied to a great degree from the farming dis-

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

tricts. The manufacturer paid higher wages than of the county, who caused a public address to be the farmer and limited the time of daily labor to issued; and a formal organization was effected at ten hours: and towns and cities (at which these the court-house on Jan. 13, 1852, 108 persons sub- establishments were almost entirely situated) af- scribing the constitution. forded the working-people more and better advan- The first exhibition was held on Aug. 17, 1852, at Reading. It was confined principally to grains, vegetables, fruits and flowers; and though small, it exceeded all expectations, having attracted a large number of visitors from Reading and all parts of the county. tages and facilities in respect to schools and churches, pleasures and associations. These nat- urally inclined them to quit laboring on farms and enter establishments in populous places. Accord- ingly farm laborers began to grow scarce and farm- ers became alarmed; but fortunately for farming,

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Historical and biographical annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania, embracing a concise history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I, Part 11

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846; J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1018

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846; J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1018