USA > Pennsylvania > Historical register : notes and queries historical and genealogical, chiefly relating to interior Pennsylvania. Volume II > Part 3
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iii. Mary, b. 1760 ; m., 1780, Robert Clark.
vi. Darid, b. 1762; m., 1780, Margaret Miller.
v. Hugh, b. 1765; m., 1785, Jemima Patterson.
Hugh Alexander m., 2d, Mrs. LETITIA THOMPSON, and there was issue :
vi. James, b. 1775; lived and d. at Mckeesport, Pa.
vii. William.
viii. Emily, b. 1777.
Mr. A. was a rigid Presbyterian of Rev. George Duffield's congregation, and was a man of pure and high character.
At Dickinson College, Carlisle, John B. Alexander, Jr., graduated 1798. Samuel Alexander, Jr., in 1812.
At Carlisle, the following were married in the First Presby- terian Church :
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The Family of Alexander.
October 18, 1796. Isabella Alexander to Robert Evans. April 12, 1798. James Alexander to Jane Sanderson. October 18, 1792. John Alexander to Elizabeth MeCleary. September 25, 1801. Joseph Alexander to Mary Young. March 30, 1809. Nancy Alexander to Thomas Weakley. December 18, 1792. William Alexander to Jean Miller.
The writer will be very grateful for any additional facts about the family of John Alexander and his sons, who emigrated to Carlisle.
[Since the foregoing was written the author has received the Alexander Genealogy, by Rev. John E. Alexander, giving a record of the descendants of John and Margaret (Glasson) Alexander, but not referring to the Carlisle family.]
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Historical Register.
JOHN LYON.
John Lyon was born in Tuscarora Valley, then Cumberland now Juniata county, Pennsylvania, August 11, 1782. His an- cestors were Scotch-Irish from Enniskillen, County of Fer- managh, and Province of Ulster, Ireland. He was the son of Captain Benjamin Lyon, a revolutionary officer, who partici- pated in the battles of Long Island, Brandywine, etc. His mother was Mary Lyon, the sister of William Lyon, the founder of the Carlisle branch of the family.
By the removal of his parents to Northumberland county, John Lyon was taken there when quite young, and there he acquired his education under the late Dr. Matthew Brown, a famous instructor. In the year 1800, he entered the office of his uncle, William Lyon. prothonotary of Cumberland county, a high-toned Christian gentleman, prominent in the annals of his county, who had held this office under the Provincial gov- ernment for many years. In 1805, he went to Harrisburg to take charge of the prothonotary's office as deputy to Joshua Elder, which position he held for some years; during this period he read law under Samuel Laird, Esq., an eminent law- yer, but never sought admission to the bar. This, with his long official services and his intimate relations with gentlemen of the bar, made him familiar with legal forms and judicial proceedings, which became of inestimable value to him in his long business career.
As a citizen of Harrisburg, Mr. Lyon held a prominent po- sition in society ; his most intimate friend was the late Jacob M. Haldeman. On the 28th of April, 1808, he married Jane, youngest daughter of the Hon. William Maclay, deceased; Mrs. Jane Maclay Lyon died April 30, 1809, leaving one son.
Mr. Lyon acquired a great reputation as a scrivener, and was especially skilled in writing deeds, in which his services were much sought. Having undertaken the settlement of the Maclay estate, it devolved upon him to furnish the deed of
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John Lyon.
conveyance for the ground upon which the capitol stands, which he wrote in his best style on parchment, ornamenting it with black letter, and for which he charged the unusual fee of ten dollars, much to the consternation of the State Commis- sioners.
About the year 1813, John Lyon, associated with William Patton and Jacob M. Haldeman, purchased an iron property lying in Centre and Huntingdon counties, known as Pennsyl- vania Furnace, which he personally superintended, and of which, after a time, he became the sole owner, and which de- veloped into the most valuable charcoal furnace in the State, and which is to-day, after a lapse of sixty-nine years, unsur- passed in ore privileges.
In 1814, Mr. Lyon married, second, Ann, daughter of General John Patton, of Centre county, a revolutionary veteran. Mrs. Ann Patton Lyon died in 1817, leaving one son. Again, in 1820, he married, third, Margaret, daughter of Samuel Stewart, one of the oldest citizens of Hanover township, Dauphin county. Mrs. Margaret Stewart Lyon died in 1835, in Pittsburgh, leav- ing eight children. In 1838, he married, fourth, Ann P., daughter of Joseph Hubley, Esq., of Lancaster, who survives her husband.
The iron estate increased in extent by the addition of prop- erties and enlargement of partnership until finally, after under- going various changes, it resolved itself into the well-known firm of Lyon, Shorb & Co., attaining the highest commercial rating, with principal office at Pittsburgh, whither Mr. Lyon removed in 1834, where he conducted the most extensive charcoal iron manufacturing concern of its day. Here he in- stituted changes and effected reforms in the iron trade, placing it upon a distinctive footing, which it never before possessed in the. West, and which his controlling position enabled him to accomplish.
In 1841, the business having become solidly established in the manufacture of iron of a quality unexcelled, Mr. Lyon sought the quictude of the country and retired to Pennsyl- vania Furnace, his favorite residence, but retained his position
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at the head of the firm until his death, which occurred in Alle- gheny city January 25, 1868, at the age of eighty-six years.
In person and physique Mr. Lyon was the model of a man, with large proportions and a vigorous constitution, dignified and erect in carriage and courteous in manner; he had a well cultivated and active mind, disciplined to thought, with a busi- ness tact and talent which may be measured by his great suc- cess; of unblemished reputation and undeviating integrity, his word was considered as good as his bond; entirely just him- self in his dealings and intercourse, he regarded with infinite contempt every species of meanness: notably hospitable and observant of the amenities of life, his house was ever attractive to the visitor.
Positive in character, fearless in speech, and terse and con- cise in his language, there was no mistaking his sentiments, and, although, inclined to be reticent, he enjoyed conversation when spiced with wit and humor to which he was greatly dis- posed, vet he ever retained his reserve and dignity ; to quote the expression of the late Governor David R. Porter, who knew him long and well, "Mr. Lyon never said a foolish thing." He dispensed his large means with a generous hand, to indi- viduals as well as to causes ; to the church and to its ministers he was especially liberal. Presbyterian in faith and Republi- can in politics, though never a politician-but always a patriot -- never sought office and never held office. B. A.
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Major Isaac Craig's Letter-books.
MAJOR ISAAC CRAIG'S LETTER-BOOKS.
II.
[To Gen. Knox, Jan. 10, 1792.]
Yesterday the Escort sent to Fort Franklin on the 5th in- stant with provisions returned. Found all well. Letters from Lieut. Jeffers, which are herewith enclosed, will inform you of the state of that post.
*
As Capt. Cass is expected on the 25th, I suppose it is not necessary to apply for a detachment of militia, especially as the snow is said to be three feet deep at French creek, through which the militia are very unwilling to march.
[To Gen. Knox, Jan. 26, 1792.]
I have received your favor of the 21st instant. I am using every possible exertion to forward the work for the defence of the Town and Stores; but the weather has been so severe, and such a quantity of snow on the ground that it has greatly retarded the work.
On the 24th instant I sent off the 2 Indians that came from Fort Franklin with the militia Escort, and at the request of Lieut. Jeffers, have sent Joseph Nicholas the Interpreter with them.
The Indians say that the Senecas are determined to take up arms for the U. S. if they are called upon.
I have advised Lieut. Jeffers to send a weekly Runner, be- tween Fort Franklin and this place; to employ a treaty In- dian along with one of his men for that purpose. I mentioned this to the Indians, and one of them immediately offered his services for that purpose.
The snow is so deep that it is impossible to prevail on the
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Historical Register.
militia to go to Fort Franklin, and it is the general opinion that a reinforcement is unnecessary at present, the Indians say it is impossible that any attempt can be made against that Post before March.
[To Gen. Knox, Feb. 3d, 1792.]
Yesterday Capt. Cass arrived at this place, and is making arrangements for sending a reinforcement to the Garrison of Fort Franklin, and Lieut. Howe's detachment to Muskingum.
Messrs. Turnbull & Marmie are estimating the rates at which they can cast cannon, shells &c., and say they will make pro- posals to you by this post if possible.
Lieut. Smith informs me that a wagon loaded with powder in crossing Susquehanna broke through the ice, and that he thinks the powder must be damaged, the wagoner has not yet arrived, therefore this point cannot be ascertained.
I have had considerable difficulty in fixing ammunition for the troops that have been supplied at this post. I have found very few that had even seen a musket cartridge made. I have therefore been under the necessity of hiring one of my old Ar- tillery men to assist in the Labrotary.
[To Gen Knox, Feb. 10, 1792.]
The stores sent forward in December and January have not yet come to hand, nor can I obtain information where they are.
Ensign Sullivan had advanced twenty miles on the Venango Path, but a heavy snow falling on the night of the 7th instant, was obliged to return to this place.
[To Lieut. Jeffers, Feb. 12, 1792.]
Mr. Sullivan now makes another attempt to reinforce your Post. I am exceedingly mortified that provisions is not also sent you. The Pack horsemen say it is impossible to carry loads at present, however I shall not let the Contractor rest till
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Major Isaac Craig's Letter-books.
an attempt is made. I would advise you to husband well the flour on hand.
Gen. Knox informs me by last post that he will shortly send a person specially charged to you on Indian business. I have got a hint that a large quantity of Indian goods are coming forward.
Please furnish Hutcheson the driver provisions and forage and set him off on his return as soon as possible.
[ To Samual Hodgdon, Quarter Master General, Feb. 15, 1792.]
Mr. David McNair, the bearer, who resides within a few miles of this place, having business to Philadelphia with his wagon, is desirous to bring with him a load of military stores. I be- lieve him to be a man of probity, and have full confidence in his fidelity and care of whatever loading he may be intrusted with, and as he has no inducement to halt by the way, as several of the Lancaster County wagoners have done repeatedly, there may be an advantage in giving him a preferance.
[ To Gen. Knox, Feb. 17, 1792.]
The day before yesterday a Corporal and two Indians from Fort Franklin arrived here with letters now inclosed. Lt. Jeffers informs me all was quiet there; that he had sent Mr. Bond and Nicholas the Interpreter to Cornplanter's town with your Speech, and that he had still confidence in the fidelity of Cornplanter, who he says has ordered a number of his warriors to scout around Fort Franklin to give notice of the approach of the Chippewas which he says may be expected.
The Indian goods have not yet arrived nor any of the stores sent forward in December and January. I think, Sir, that such unnecessary delay ought to be taken notice of by the Quarter Master General on the return of the wagoners to Philadelphia.
I have just heard that the Indian goods will reach this place on the 22d instant. They shall be forwarded to Fort Franklin the moment they arrive.
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Historical Register.
The Indians that come here occasionally with letters from Lieut. Jeffers expect a compensation ; the last that came here was almost naked : they begged for some eloathing and I took the liberty of giving them two shirts, two vests and pair of leggins : but as it is probable that demands of that kind will' be frequent at this post, be pleased to instruct me how to act in such cases.
The Post is just arrived with your packet of the 11th in- stant. Capt. Cass is as comfortable quartered as he can possi- . bly wish. I shall accommodate Capt. Baldwin and the Chiefs agreeable to your direction. The river is almost clear of ice and Major William Croghan of Louisville ready to descend the Ohio by whom I will forward the dispatches for Fort Washing- ton. I shall immediately make contracts for the boats agreea- ble to your instructions.
[To Lieut. Jeffers, Feb. 18, 1792.]
I have received yours of the 8th instant together with the letter for Gen. Knox, which I have forwarded by post. I have detained Miller and the Indians, till after the arrival of the post, in order to carry any dispatches that might arrive for you from the War Office; but as no letters have come for you I give you an extract from General Knox's letter to me dated the 11th instant, viz: The contractor must have six months sup- plies placed at Fort Franklin for one hundred men immedi- ately.
I have sent Capt. Waterman Baldwin on a mission to the Cornplanter. If the chief comes to Philadelphia you must furnish them with the means of transportation here.
I have heard of the Indian goods and expect them here on the 21st instant. I have horses engaged to carry them to your Post as soon as they arrive.
[To Cornelius Gillaspy, Feb. 20, 1792.]
The last time I had the pleasure of seeing you at this place
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Major Isaac Craig's Letter-books.
you informed me you could furnish Kentucky boats of any dimensions on moderate terms. In the course of the coming season I shall have occasion for several, and therefore make you the first offer of a contract for that purpose. If you in- eline to enter into such an engagement please inform me by the bearer of the time I can see you here. The boats are to be of a larger size than commonly built, viz: fourteen feet six inches in the clear, by upwards of fifty feet long, and stronger than those purchased for public use last year. -
The number will be an object worth your attention. Some of them will soon be wanted; the whole to be delivered at Pittsburgh at a particular time to be agreedl on. The most reasonable terms will be expected, as the prices will be paid in cash on the delivery of the boats.
[To Gen. Knox, Feb. 24, 1792.]
Capt. Baldwin arrived here on the 18th iust., and next day set off for Fort Franklin.
The Indian goods arrived the 22d, and this morning I have sent them together with six barrels of powder, one thousand pounds of musket balls, seven hundred flints and some sta- tionary to Fort Franklin, under an escort furnished by Capt. Cass. On the 21st instant Mr. Bessel, who went as pilot for Ensign Sullivan to Fort Franklin, returned together with an Indian ; he left all well at that post. Mr. Bond and Nicholas the interpreter, had not returned from Cornplanter's town on the 17th.
[To Sam. Hodgdon, Q. M. G. Fort Washington, March 2d, 1792.]
I have just received your favor of Jan. 10th by Mr. Ford, and am much pleased with your resolution of giving us a call on your way to Philadelphia. I shall have my accounts ready for inspection up to the end of last year; since that time my business has greatly increased.
I am now, by order of the Secretary of War, constructing a work for the defence of the town and public stores that may be
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deposited here. This work together with making the neces- sary provision for the troops that are quartered here lies heavy on my hands, and in addition I am ordered to provide fifty boats of the largest size and strongest sort, proper for trans- porting horses, stores, and troops down the Ohio, the boats to be ready at Pittsburgh on or before the 10th of May ensuing.
Congress has passed a bill for raising three regiments in ad- dition to the First and Second, and a squadron of cavalry. By this you will see that your business is only beginning.
The garrison of Fort Franklin has been augmented and a considerable quantity of ammunition and provisions ordered to that post. Capt. 'Baldwin passed through this town a few days ago on his way to Fort Franklin; I believe he has orders to invite and escort the Chiefs of the Six Nations to Philadelphia, . and we are told that one thousand Indians are to be taken in service and employed against the hostile tribes.
I expect this letter will be handed you by Major Wm. Croghan, who has been so obliging as to take charge of the public dispatches, and some private stores for Gen. Wilkinson. I have obtained two men from Capt. Cass to assist him with the boat to Fort Washington, and have to request your influ- ence for assistance from thence to the Falls.
[To Joseph Howell, Paymaster General, March 9th, 1792.]
I received your favor of the 24 ultimo, but was so much hurried that I only had time, by same post, to enclose you a receipt for two thousand five hundred dollars in my letter to the Secretary of War. I am much obliged to you for the pains you have taken. in sending me small notes, as large ones are inconvenient, small change being scarce at this place. Indeed it would answer a good purpose if specie could be sent here occasionally, as people, who live at any considerable distance around Pittsburgh are not yet reconciled to Bank Notes': there- fore, in all their dealings in town for cash carry away hard money, consequently specie grows scarce.
Lieut. Jeffers informs me that all was well at Fort Franklin the 3d instant, and as he has got a reinforcement and plenty
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Major Isaac Craig's Letter-books.
of provisions and ammunition, he has no objection to a visit from the Chippawas.
[To Gen. Knox, March 24, 1792.]
Capt. Cass and Ensign Andrews with fifty men of his de- tachment marched from this place on the 20th and expect to reach Fort Franklin this day.
It is reported that horses have been stolen and carried across the Ohio near Wheeling, and that tracks of a small party of Indians have been discovered on .Beaver creek thirty-three miles from this place; but as a number of scouting parties are now employed on our frontier, the inhabitants expect to keep their ground.
Major MeCully's three companies are full, but he has not yet called on me for arms.
Lieut. Howe arrived at Muskingum. Col. Sprout and Lt. Howe have applied to me for ammunition for that post. ] have not yet heard of Capt. Baldwin since he left Fort Frank- lin ; therefore suppose he must have returned home by way of Susquehannah.
[To Capt. Jonathan Cass, Fort Franklin, March 30th, 1792.]
I have received your favor of the 26th instant and am happy on your safe arrival at Fort Franklin. I have no doubt you will find that post a very agreeable command.
I cannot prevail on the contractor to take your tent-poles this trip, but shall certainly send them by next boat that as- cends the Alleghany together with Mr. Sullivan's chest.
By accounts from Muskingum we are informed that the In- dians have killed the wife and three children of a Mr. Brown of Delaware, at a small station between Belpre and Beliville. Brown and one of his children being at a little distance from the house escaped unnoticed. We are informed that the In- dians have burned a house thirty miles below Wheeling with considerable property in it. The owner had moved over the river a few days before with the intention of returning. Mr
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Historical Register.
Heth is appointed a Captain in the 3d Regt., and Mr. Demlar a Lieutenant of Artillery.
[To Gen. Knox, March 31, 1792.]
I have received your favor of the 24th instant, together with a letter from the Paymaster General inclosing one thousand dollars to be delivered to Captains Butler and Sparks, pro- vided they accept their appointment and take the oath pre- scribed by law. I shall see Capt. Butler to-day, and shall write to Capt. Sparks immediately. I shall forward the rifles to Lieut. Jeffers as soon as they arrive at this place.
Capt. Cass arrived at Fort Franklin the 25th and found all well there. He writes: Lieut. Jeffers had the works in good order and that he has a high opinion of Mr. Jeffers as a vig- ilant and industrious officer. A few days before Capt. Cass arrived there a Delaware Indian that was suspected of being a spy, was killed by the Senecas outside of the Fort. This is certainly a mark of their attachment.
[To Gen. Knox, April 6th, 1792.]
In my letter of the 16th of March I informed you of a num- ber of damaged arms being on hand and requested instructions respecting the repairs they may want, but have not yet re- ceived your orders on that head.
Capt. Richard Sparks has accepted his appointment and taken the military oath yesterday, a copy of which together with triplicate receipt for five hundred dollars I herewith en- close. Capt. Butler says he waits your answer to his letter before he accepts his appointment.
Capt. Cass in his letter of the 1st instant informs me that Cornplanter, New Arrow, Half Town, Big Tree. together with one hundred other Indians, were then at Fort Franklin to re- ceive the Indian goods then in the hands of Lieut. Jeffers.
I have just received your favor of the 31st ultimo; the am- munition is not yet forwarded to Lieut. Howe, but shall be to-
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Major Isaac Craig's Letter-books. · 35 ·
morrow or next day. I shall contract for 30 boats in addition to 50 formerly engaged: these last to be delivered in May. I shall contract for 600 axes, suitable for falling timber, to be delivered as you direct.
The Paymaster General has transmitted to me two thousand dollars, in Post notes, for the purpose of recruiting Capts. Bigg's and Crawford's companies, of which I shall inform them im- mediately by Express, and shall expect them here on the 10th. The Paymaster has also transmitted five hundred dollars in Bank notes, which he says is to be delivered to Lieut. Cum- ings. Of this I shall advise Lieut. Cumings this day.
The stockade will be completed this day and in a few days. two guns mounted in one of the Block-houses; the other work is going on with all possible expedition. I am in hopes that the barracks for Capt. Hughes' detachment will be ready next week.
You will please observe that there is very little camp equip- age and stationary on hand at this post and not one camp-ket- tle, nor sheet-iron to make them of.
[To Cupt. Cass, April 7th, 1792.]
I have received your favor of the 1st instant, together with the pack-horses very much broken down.
I have delivered to Sergeant Clark all the letters and papers that have come to hand for your post.
By advise from Wheeling the Indians crossed the river on the 4th instant and killed nine people within a few miles of that place.
It is not yet known who will command the army ; but it is believed Gen. St. Clair will resign.
Captain Asheton is on his march for this place with 120 men ; recruiting parties are busily employed all over the United States.
[To Gen. Knox, April 13th, 1792.]
I herewith enclose Capt. Butler's and Lieutenant Cuming's
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Historical Register.
receipts for five hundred dollars each, together with copies of the oaths they have taken.
Capt. Crawford is now in town but has not yet taken the military oath. Capt. Biggs, I am told, declines.
Lieut. Demlar's stores are all on board a Kentucky boat, and himself and detachment ready to set off for Galliopolis.
Capt. Trueman just arrived and will embark on board the same boat with Lieut. Demlar, and, as the river is now high. will reach Fort Washington in five days.
Capt. Cass has favored me with a copy of a speech delivered by him to several of the Indian chiefs at Fort Franklin, to- gether with their answers, a transcript of which I have taken the liberty of enclosing.
Lieut. Jeffers is expected here in a few days with a number of young warriors that have engaged in his corps ; the rifles are not yet arrived from Lancaster.
I have received your favor of the 7th inst., and shall pay particular attention to your instructions therein. Shall call on Turnbull & Marmie and contract with them for the iron. I believe, sir, it will be found that in all my contracts I have paid the most rigid regard to the public interest.
[To Capt. John Armstrong, Fort Washington, April 14, 1792.]
General Neville fell from his horse a few days ago and was so much hurt that his recovery for some days was doubtful.
[To Gen. Knox, April 15th, 1792.]
Mr. Joseph Nicholas, the Indian Interpreter, requests me to inclose his account for his services last winter; he says he is greatly distressed : that during his absence his business at home was neglected and since his return a suit has been commenced against him for a sum he is unable to pay without your assist- ance and therefore begs you to order payment of his account.
Capt. Trueman set off for Fort Washington and Lieut. Dem- lar, with 40 men for Galliopolis yesterday.
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