History of Berks county in Pennsylvania, Part 9

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Peck & Richards
Number of Pages: 1418

USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > History of Berks county in Pennsylvania > Part 9

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Eleusine.

Indica, Gærtn. (wire grass).

Tricuspis. seslerioides, Torr. (tall red top).

Dactylis. glomerata, L.

Melica.

mutica, Walt.

Gly ceria. nervata, Trin. (fowl meadow grass). fluitans, R. Br.

Poa. annua, L. (low spear grass). compressa, L. (wire grass). serotina, Ehrh. (false red top). pratensis, L. (common meadow grass). Eragrostis, poœoides, Beauv.

Festuca. elatior, L. (meadow fescue).

Bromus. secalinus, L. (chess). ciliatus, L.

Lolium. perenne, L. (rye grass). Triticum. repens, L. (quick grass).

Elymus. Canadensis, L. striatus, Willd.

Gymnostichum. Hystrix, Schreb.

Danthonia. spicata, Beauv.

Holcus. lanatus, L. (velvet grass).

Anthoxanthum. odoratum, L.

Phalaris. arundinacea, L. (reed C).

Paspalum. læve, Michx. setaceum, Michx. Panicum. agrostoides, Spreng. capillare, L. (old witch grass). clandestinum, L. Crus-galli, L. (barnyard grass). depauperatum, Muhl.

dichotomum, L. latifolium, L.

pauciflorum, Ell. sanguinale, L.

Setaria. verticillata, Beauv. glauca, Beauv. (foxtail). viridis, Beauv. (bottle grass). Italica, Kunth.

Tripsacum. dactyloides, L.

Andropogon. furcatus, Muhl. scoparius, Michx. macrourus, Michx.

Sorghum. nutans Gray. (Indian grass).

VASCULAR CRYPTOGAMIA.

Equisetacec. Equisetum. arvense, L. (common horsetail). limosum, L. hyemale, L. (shave grass).

Filices. Polypodium. vulgare, L.

Pellæa. atropurpurea, Link.

Pteris. aquilina, L. (common brake).

Adiantum. pedatum, L. Camptosorus. rhizophyllus, Link.

Asplenium (spleen-wort). Trichomanes, L. ebenium, Aiton. angustifolium, Michx. thelypteroides, Michx. Filix-fœmina, Bernh.

Phegopteris. hexagonoptera, Fée. Aspidium (shield fern). arcostichoides, Swz. Noveboracense, Swz. spinulosum, Swz. var. intermedium, Willd. Goldianum, Hook. marginale, Swz.

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Onoclea.

sensibilis, L. (sensitive fern).

Woodsia.

obtusa, Torrey.

Dicksonia. punctilobula, Kunze.

Schizæa. pusilla, Pursh.

Osmunda.

regalis, L. (flowering fern). Claytoniana, L.

cinnamomea, L. (cinnamon fern).

Botrychium.

ternatum, Swz.

var. dissectum, Milde.

Virginicum, Swz.

Ly opodiacec.

Lycopodium. lucidulum, Mx. inundatum, L.

alopecuroides, L. .

dendroideum, Michx. (ground pine).

clavatum, L. (common club moss). complanatum, L.

Selaginella.

rupestris, Spring. apus, Spring.

Isoetes.

lacustris, L.

MOUNTAINS.

The Appalachian chain of mountains extends through the eastern territory of the United States from the St. Lawrence River on the north, to the State of Georgia on the south. The greatest heights are in North Carolina. There they are between six thousand and six thousand eight hundred feet above the sea. This chain includes all the ridges. Two ridges of this conspicuous chain extend through Berks County. They are the "Blue Mountain" and the "South Mountain."

The Blue Mountain, in its course south twenty- five degrees west from the Delaware, at Easton, to the Susquehanna, at Harrisburg, forms the pre- sent northern boundary line of Berks County, It was a barrier to migration in the earliest set- tlements of this section of the State, and it was the limit of the earliest surveys which were made northwestwardly from the Delaware River. The earliest map of surveys was pre- pared by Lewis Evans, and published by him on March 25, 1749, pursuant to an act of Par- liament. This map is in the possession of the

Historical Society of Pennsylvania, at Philadel- phia. Several drafts of earlier dates appear in the first two volumes of the Pennsylvania Ar- chives, and relate to purchases of land from the Indians. The apex of this mountain undulates. Its average height above the sea is about twelve hundred feet. The distinguishing peculiarities in the formation of the mountain in Berks County are the " Pinnacle" (a deep and rugged projection in the northeastern part, of equal height, extending southeast, about two miles in length, at an angle of about forty-five degrees), the "Schuylkill Gap" (a picturesque break in the northern part, several hundred feet wide at the base, through which the Schuylkill River flows): the "Round Head" (a similar projection in the northwestern part, extending southwest) and numerous ravines which were washed out in the mountain-side by rolling waters in the course of time, and came to be useful to man in having marked out for him easy passes over the mountain.

A wonderful feature of this mountain is its intersection by five gaps at almost equal dis- tances for a length of one hundred and four miles,-first, the "Delaware Gap," at the State line on the east; second, the "Lehigh Gap," twenty-eight miles distant; third, the "Schuyl- kill Gap," twenty-six miles; fourth, the "Swa- tara Gap," twenty-eight miles; and fifth, the "Susquehanna Gap," twenty-two miles. At the "Schuylkill Gap" there are apparent in the outlines of the mountain ten curious hooks or coves, which were caused by geological disturb- ances.

In looking at the mountain from a dis- tant point it has a bluish appearance. Hence it was and is called "Blue Ridge." The first mention of this name appears in the printed draft of land which was purchased from the Indians in 1749. It is published in 2 Penn- sylvania Archives. In the Evans map men- tioned, it is called the "Kittatinny Mountain," corrupted from the Indian word "Kan-ta-tin- chunk," meaning endless. It is also sometimes called North Mountain. The grand succession of mountains to the northward for many miles, in almost parallel ridges, have been named "St. Anthony's Wilderness.",

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY.

The South Mountain extends through the county southeastwardly. It enters about the middle of the western boundary, near the cor- ner-stone of the dividing line between Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. At this point it is distant from the Blue Mountain about fifteen miles. It is called South Mountain because it lies south of the Blue Mountain. The distance between them increases as they diverge eastwardly. At Reading it is about twenty-three miles distant. The highest point in this mountain is near the county line in Lebanon County, on a spur extending several miles south west- wardly. Its height is about twelve hundred feet. There is a prominent projection of large rocks near by in Berks County, somewhat less in height. It is called " Adler's Kupf" (Eagle's Head). Years ago many native eagles roosted there. Now they are seldom seen in the vicinity. Their departure was induced through the re- peated removal of the surrounding trees. The ringing axe of the woodman, the curling smoke of the coal-burner and the cracking gun of the hunter disturbed his wild solitude.

In the southern section of the county this mountain has a greater width. It includes a succession of rolling hills, almost entirely covered with growing trees. Some portious have been cleared and converted into farming lands. This district, being thus covered and having the appearance of a forest, is called "The Forest." The " Welsh Mountain " and the " Flying Hills " are included in this range.

The " Flying Hills " extend along the south- erly side of the Schuylkill River for several miles. They comprise a small ridge broken by gorges. They were given this name by the early settlers because numerous gronse were seen flying there. They are indicated on the Evans map, and also on a draft which shows the line of the Schuylkill from this point north- wardly about eight miles, having been made in the year 1743, by Nicholas Scull, in a survey for a road from Reading to Maiden Creek. From that time till now they have been so known and called. They can be seen and identified for forty miles down the Schuylkill Valley. From afar they resemble great monu- ments, and they were famous for game until

recently. Of the gorges mentioned, the "Gib- raltar " is the most remarkable and picturesque. Its narrowness and steep hill-sides suggested its name.

Numerous hills are scattered throughout the county. They subserve the agricultural dis- tricts admirably in respect to wood and water. Their natural arrangement and distribution are wonderful. The cupidity of man is, however, gradually breaking up this harmony of nature by cutting down the trees and tilling the land. The destruction of the woods has been consid- ered, for some years, as impolitic; and it has become a subject of increasing concern.

In the western section the most conspicous hills are "Stoudt's Hill," located at the great bend of the Schuylkill, about six miles north of Reading (named after the owner of the land), and "Scull's Hill," distant about five miles farther to the north (named after Nicholas Scull, thesurveyor-general of the province from 1748 till 1761).

In the eastern section the county is consider- ably broken by intersecting hills which extend in different directions, mostly, however, to the north and south. The "Oley Hills" are most conspicuous in a historic aspect. They are men- tioned in patents and deeds of lands before 1720. Since 1783 the most prominent hill in that vi- cinity has been called "Earl Mountain," because it was cut from Oley and included in a new town- ship of that name then erected. The "Monocacy Hill," cone-shaped, is situated several miles southwardly, near the river. The "Reading Hills" are the most conspicnous in the central section in a natural aspect. They were included in the " Manor of Penn's Mount," a large tract which was set apart for the use of the Penns before the erection of the county, and included about twelve thousand acres. The hill, known by the citizens of Reading as " Penn's Mount," adjoins the city on the east. Its elevated top commands a magnificeut view of the Schuylkill and Lebanon Valleys to the north and west, which are especially rich in agriculture, manu- factures and internal improvements ; and it overlooks an area of territory about five hundred square miles. It has two conspicuous spots at the apex, facing the west, which are called

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

"White Spot" and "Black Spot." They are visi- ble to the naked eye for a distance of thirty miles. They were called so by the first inhabitants of Reading. Their general appearance does not seem to change any. They are bare spots on the hill-side, composed of stones and rocks. The " White Spot " is the nearer and more acces- sible. It has been for many years, and is still, resorted to for stones for building purposes, and it is frequently visited also by resident and stranger for the view it commands. The re- moval of the stones gives the spot a white ap- pearance. Time and the weather are not given an opportunity to darken the surface of the stones. The " Black Spot" has not been disturbed till recently ; hence its black appearance. Their elevation above the Schuylkill River at the foot of Penn Street is as follows: White Spot, 767.64 feet ; Black Spot, 879.78 feet. The ele- vation of the higher point above the sea is about eleven hundred feet.

The hill known as the " Neversink " adjoins the city on the south. Its highest point is somewhat lower than Penn's Mount. It com- mands a magnificent view of the Schuylkill Valley to the southeast for forty miles and of "The Forest " to the south and southwest for upwards of ten miles. It overlooks the double bend in the river, which forms a large S, both projections being mostly farming land ; the one extending northwardly being known as " Lewis' Neck" (from the first settler there), and the other southwardly as " Poplar Neck " (from the great poplar- trees) for more than one hundred and fifty years. The point of observation is called "Fairview." It also has been for years, and still is, frequently visited. This hill lies east and west and forms, with Penn's Mount, a large T. Its northern declivity is rather gentle, but the southern steep and rugged. It has been known by the name of " Neversink " for many years. It is mentioned in surveys of adjoining land which were made as early as 1714. An interesting, though ridiculous, tradition is con- nected with its origin. It was said by early settlers that an Indian had devised a "flying machine," by which he proposed to fly from the one hill1 to the other and "never sink."

His effort proved a failure. Instead of flying into fame he sank into shame. The word is of Indian origin, "Navesink," and means fishing- ground. The Schuylkill River in this vicinity was formerly a famous fishing-ground for shad. Fisheries were carried on successfully until the construction of the canal, about 1820.

"Schwartz-wald " is situated several miles to the east. It was included in the " Manor lands." The woods are dark and like a forest. This name was given by the early settlers in commemoration of their native place whence they emigrated.

" Irish Mountain " is near the centre of the county. It is prominent and overlooks the Schuylkill Valley from the Blue Mountain to the South Mountain, especially the fertile lands which adjoin the Maiden Creek and its tribu- taries. The early settlers round about were mostly Germans. They named the hill after English settlers who had located or rather " squatted " there. The language and manners of the latter were more or less objectionable to them, and they among themselves entertained contempt for the intruders, and in conversation called them the " Irish."

"Spitzenherg " is a cone-shaped hill near by the Pinnacle. Its peculiar shape makes it con- spicuous. It is not as elevated as the mountain to the north.

VALLEYS.

Nature has arranged the earth's surface within the borders of Berks County in a superior man- ner. The arrangement is not surpassed by that of any county in the State. Its rolling charac- ter, interspersed with hills and mountains, and intersected by numerous irrigating rivulets and streams, renders it most admirable for success- ful cultivation with ordinary labor. The well- directed energy and enterprise of the farmers have enriched and improved it to a wonderful degree.

A depression in the central portion of the county extends from the Blue Mountain on the north to the boundary line on the southeast, a distance of thirty-two miles. It resembles an "L" irregularly drawn. It is called "Schuyl- kill Valley," and takes its name from the meandering river that flows through its bosom.

Flying Hill at Poplar Neck.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY.

It is not distinguished for width ; above Read- ing it is rather open, below rather confined. Valleys enter it on the east and on the west. The most conspicuous of the eastern valleys are the Maiden Creek, the Antietam, the Monocacy and the Manatawny ; and of the western the Tulpehocken, the Wyomissing, the Allegheny and the Hay-Creek. All take their names from the streams which flow through them. On both sides they begin at the extreme limits of the county, excepting the Antietam and Monocacy, which begin in the central portion. Together they present a remarkable conformation ; they distribute the water supply equally. Their de- pression is from the limits of the county towards the centre, with a southern inclination. The principal valley has the lowest points of the county from the northern limit to the southern. The limits on the east, west and south are water-sheds to a great degree; inside the waters flow inwardly ; but at the lines, and outside thereof, they flow outwardly-on the east into the Lehigh River and Perkiomen Creek, and on the west and south into the Swatara Creek and Conestoga Creek, which empty into the Susquehanna River. These valleys, therefore, gather all the waters within the county and first direct them into and through its territory, for the great benefit of its industrious inhabitants, before they allow them to depart. Berks County occupies the central portion of the large district, in area forty-six hundred square miles, which lies between the Delaware and Susque- hanna Rivers. The plan of distribution of val- leys and waters between these rivers is marvel- ous. And the leaders in the movement for the erection of the county in this large body of land displayed remarkable foresight and knowledge in obtaining such boundary lines.

The " Tulpehocken Valley " forms the east- ern section of the Lebanon Valley, the Swatara Valley (which extends westwardly through Lebanon and Dauphin Counties) the western section. These two valleys are, together, about fifty-four miles long, and they take the name of Lebanon Valley from the town which occupies the highest point midway.

There are other valleys, but they have only a local character and take their names from the

respective streams which flow through them. The "Schuylkill Gap," in the Blue Moun- tain, where the Schuylkill River enters the county, is the only gap of marked features in the county.

STREAMS.

Springs are the great sources of all streams. They supply us with water for all purposes. They arise mostly in the mountains and ele- vated portions of country. They supply all the streams in Berks County, and almost the entire quantity flows from springs which are situated within its borders. This is exceptional ; com- paratively little water is drained from the ad- joining counties into Berks County, but a great quantity is drained from Berks County into all the adjoining counties, excepting Schuylkill Connty, on the north. This indicates that the borders of Berks County are higher than the surrounding territory. Bethel township, in the northwest, is entirely drained by the Little Swatara Creek, into the Swatara, and the wat- ers pass through Lebanon and Dauphin Coun- ties into the Susquehanna River. Caernarvon township, on the south, is entirely drained by the Little Conestoga and Muddy Creeks, into the Conestoga, and the waters pass through Lancaster County into the Susquehanna River. A part of Union township, on the southeast, is drained by French Creek, and the waters pass through Chester County into the Schuylkill River. Considerable parts of the eastern town- ships-Colebrookdale, Washington and Here- ford-are drained by Perkiomen Creek, and the waters pass through Montgomery County into the Schuylkill. And the greater part of Long- swamp township, on the northeast, and the re- maining part of Hereford are drained by the Little Lehigh into Lehigh River, and the wat- ers pass through Lehigh County into the Dela- ware River.

There are numerous large springs in the dif- ferent sections of the county. They are mostly situated in the valleys, though in elevated posi- tions compared with the Schuylkill River. Those worthy of particular mention are Silver Spring and Orphans' Home Spring, in Heidel- berg township ; Sinking Spring, in Spring town- ship, in the western section of the county ;

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Moselem Spring, in Richmond township; and Hampden Spring, in Reading, in the eastern section.

The streams of the county are numerous ; they irrigate every section and contribute much to the natural fertility of the soil. The accom- panying geological map illustrates the whole system.

The most conspicuous feature of the water system is the Schuylkill River. The streams flow into it from the east and from the west, and the territory on each side, thus supplied, is about equal in area. On the eastern side, be- ginning in the upper section, they are 1, Wind- sor ;1 2, Perry ;1 3, Maiden Creek, 2 which has two principal tributaries flowing into it, both on the east, Moselem and Sacony ; 4, Laurel Run; 5, Bernhart's Run ; 6, Rose Valley Run ; 7, Antietam ; 8, Monocacy, which has two prin- cipal tributaries flowing into it,-the Limekiln, from the east, and the Little Monocacy, from the west; and 9, Manatawny, which has two principal tributaries flowing into it,-the Iron- stone, from the east, and the Little Mana- tawny, from the west. Of these, the Maiden Creek and Manatawny are especially large. The Bernhart's Run and the Antietam (for- merly, for a time, known as Ohlinger's Creek) have been entirely appropriated by the city of Reading for a municipal water supply.

On the western side they are 1, Mill Creek ; 2, Irish Creek ; 3, Tulpehocken, which has four principal tributaries flowing into it on the north (Mill, North and Plum) and three on the south (Mill, Spring and Cacoosing) ; 4, Wyo- missing ; 5, Angelica ; 6, Allegheny ; 7, Hay Creek ; 8, Six-penny ; and 9, Mill Creek.s Of these, the Tulpehocken, Wyomissing and Hay Creek are especially large. All the streams

mentioned afford valuable water-power. They attracted the attention of the early settlers of the county. The first lands taken up by warrant, survey and patent were those through which these streams flowed. Their invaluable and in- exhaustible water-power was fully appreciated. It was appropriated immediately by the settlers and turned to account in running grist-mills and iron furnaces. . Many of the early deeds on record relate to it.

SCHUYLKILL.4-The Schuylkill River rises in Schuylkill County. It flows generally in a southeasterlv direction and traverses the State for a distance of one hundred and twenty-five miles until it empties into the Delaware River, at Philadelphia.

It has many important branches which flow into it on the east and on the west from its source to its mouth. These contribute much to the physical and productive welfare of the south- eastern section of the State. They together drain a very large area of territory.

The important branches are the following : On the east, beginning in the north, 1, Main Branch ; 2, Little Schuylkill, formerly called Tamaqua ; 3, Maiden Creek; 4, Manatawny ; 5, Perkiomen; and 6, Wissahickon ; and on the west, 1, West Branch ; 2, Bear Creek ; 3, Tul- pehocken ; 4, Wyomissing ; 5, French ; and 6, Pickering. Each is conspicuous for length and large flow of water, and in a general way they are about equal in these respects. This harmony in their proportions is wonderful. The earliest drafts show the Maiden Creek, Manatawny and Tulpehocken, which indicates that the surveyors regarded them of more than ordinary import- ance. The Schuylkill is not only the grand trunk of this system of water, but it occupies the central line of the territory in which this system is arranged.

1These two streams have no particular names. I name them thus to identify them. The former passes through Hamburg and the latter through Mohrsville.

2 At Lenhartsville, about twelve miles from its mouth, and thence northward, it is commonly known as the " Ontelaunee."

3 The creeks by this name, " Mill," have been quadrupli- cated in the western section. The inhabitants in the re- spective localities named them for the water-power in run- ning grist and other mills.

4 The word "Schuylkill " is of Dutch origin. It means Hidden Creek, or Skulk Creek. The Dutch named the river when they took possession of the land about its mouth. The outlet is very wide and deceiving. It appears to be a part of the Delaware River, instead of being a tributary. By some persons it is said to be of Indian origin ; but this is not correct. The name given to it by the Indians was "Ganshowehanne," which means a roaring or falling stream .- Haldeman. Rupp says they called it " Mana- jung," which means mother.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY.

In this magnificent arrangement nature would appear to have been wisdom herself. The sub- division of this comparatively small portion of the earth's surface iu such a perfect manner can- not have been the result of chance. Some great sceptre marked out the courses for our mountains, valleys and streams. It was the finger of God ! It was He who indicated, by His prescient wisdom, the ways which we should follow for our welfare and progress. And, for- tunately for us, we have pursued these ways. Our roads, canals and railways are laid, as it were, in paths especially prepared for them. Nearly two hundred years have elapsed since settlements began in Berks County. In the course of events we seem to have developed in facilities for intercourse by periods of fifty years ; for, in the first period our prominent roads were marked out ; in the second, our canals and turn- pikes ; and in the third, our railways. By the end of the fourth period, 1900, all the natural ways will be fully appropriated. The tendency and the demands of the present time indicate such a result.

LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE .- The county of Berks lies in the lower central portion of the north temperate zone, between 40° and 41º north latitude, and between }º and 12º east longitude, reckoning from Washington.

RELATIVE ELEVATIONS .- The following statement exhibits the elevation, above mean ocean-tide, of the several places in Berks County and other places out of the county, as compared with Reading, in different directions, north, south, east and west. The figures to the left of the place indicate the distance in miles from Reading, and those to the right the elevation in feet above mean ocean-tide at Philadelphia.

Reading-265 feet.

NORTR.

Feet.

Miles.

5 Tuckerton 295

8 Leesport 295

10} Mohrsville. 299

12 Shoemakersville 311

17 Hamburg 372

20 Port Clinton.

407

25 Auburn

28 Landingville 500

31 Schuylkill Haven .. 523

34 Mount Carbon 603

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History of Berks county in Pennsylvania, Part 9

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846 Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Peck & Richards Number of Pages: 1418

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Peck & Richards
Number of Pages: 1418