USA > Pennsylvania > Fayette County > History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 173
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Many of the so-called roads were nothing muore than paths through the woods, for at this period Western Pennsylvania was almost an unbroken forest, no fencing having as yet been introduced to bar the traveler's way, which was generally a direct course. A century has wrought many changes in Springhill in regard to highways. From one or two, aggregating some twenty miles in length, many eross her terri- tory in all directions, affording easy access to and from every part of the township.
EARLY MANUFACTURES.
Quite a number of individuals had engaged in the manufacture of flour and whisky as early as 1786 in Springhill township. At that period John Hardin, Sr., had a grist-mill assessed at £100, located near Lewis Hunter's present residence ; Richard Robins a grist-mill taxed at £120, and James Gray a grist- mill assessed at £150; one saw-mill on (eorges Creek, owned by John Hune (or Hoon), valued at £50.
1 Adams' Life of Gallatin, page 589.
768
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Three years later (1789) two saw-mills were returned by the assessor, owned by John Hune and George and John Wilson. The saw-mill belonging to Hune stood near the site of Crow's mill. George and John Wilson's was farther down Georges Creek. John Hardin's mill, in this assessment, passed to Henry Hardin. The Willson grist-mill was on Georges Creek, upon a tract of land called "Appendix," now the property of Robert H. Ross. The James Gray mill was the "River Mill," the remains of which may still be seen on the Monongahela River, in New Geneva. In 1786 eighteen stills were assessed, and three years afterwards twenty-two. The distillers were Joseph Caldwell, Nicholas Crowshore, Richard Evans, Hugh Evans, David Frame, Charles Griffin, Jacob Gannts, Albert Gallatin, Ezekiel Moore, Hugh Marshal, John McFarland, Paul Larsh, John Linch, Philip Pierce, Theophilus Phillips, Nicholas Pock, James Robinson, Thomas Tobin, William Wells. These were all returned as distillers in 1789.
The distillers were divided into three classes, and each class taxed at a different rate per gallon made. The tax rate on first class was 5s. per gallon ; second class, 38. 9d. per gallon ; third class, 28. 6d. per gallon. Those rated as first class were Thomas Ramsey, 100 gallons; Jacob Ghance, 70 gallons; Robert Hardin, 66 gallons ; John Linch, 70 gallons; Abraham Har- din, 74 gallons ; Joseph Caldwell, 75 gallons ; David Frame, 35 gallons ; John McFarland, 66 gallons; Charles Griffin, 105 gallons ; and his partner, James Neally, 49 gallons; Philip Pierce, 96 gallons; and his partner, John Wade, 49 gallons. Second class : Ezekiel Moore, 50 gallons; James Gray, 65 gallons ; John Hoon, 32 gallons. Third class : Dennis Nevil, 80 gallons ; Nicholas Pock, 40 gallons; William Wells, 80 gallons. Aggregating a daily yield of one thousand two hundred and two gallons. To transport this large amount of whisky to market induced sev- eral enterprising individuals to engage in boat-build- ing at the mouth of Georges Creek, which had re- ceived the name of Wilson Port, in honor of Col. George Wilson, whose sons, William, George, and John, were citizens of Springfield for many years after his death. The Port, as it was called, soon became a noted shipping-point, not only of merchandise, but also of emigrants for Kentucky and Ohio. The boats were called keel-boats, flat-boats, and Kentucky boats. This industry flourished until the advent of steamboats, and for many years afterwards upon a smaller scale. In addition to flour and whisky, iron and glass were added in 1795 to the list. Hon. An- drew Stewart, in his early life, shipped from this port. The whisky business was the most general business until after 1800. The next class of boats built at Wilson Port were steamboats by Albin Mellier, in 1837. Of these there were two named " Albert Gal- latin" and "Napoleon Bonaparte."
In 1794 glass and iron were manufactured, the first by Albert (fallatin & Co., the latter by Robert Jones.
The establishment of the glass-factory, near where New Geneva was soon after built, was due to Albert Gallatin. Two stories are related concerning its es- tablishment, one by grandchildren of the founders, the other by neighbors. The first, being the most credible, is as follows: Christian Kramer, Adolph Eberhart, Lewis Reitz, John George Reppert, Balt- zer Kramer, and John Christian Gabler, German glass-blowers from Frederick Town, Frederick Co., Md., had left their home for the purpose of establish- ing a glass-factory in Kentucky, near where Louis- ville now stands. Having reached the Ohio River, they embarked in a canoe, and had arrived near Wheeling, when, stopping for the night, they were joined by a stranger, who, speaking their language, was soon on the best of terms with them. The stran- ger was Albert Gallatin. Having been informed of their journey and its object, he succeeded in persnad- ing them to return to his farm on Georges Creek, where the necessary facilities for manufacturing glass- ware were to be had almost for nothing. After some little talk he finally agreed to furnish everything and they do the blowing. The terms were accepted, and in 1794 the company began the manufacture of glass. The other account is that the same Germans were crossing the mountains in wagons, having their pro- visions with them, and that they would stop at some public-house and borrow cooking utensils to cook their food. Having reached Tomlinson's stand, they put up for the night. After supper they amused themselves with music, several being excellent per- formers. Being a great lover of music, Mr. Gallatin (who was there) inquired of the landlord who they were. Being informed, he introduced himself, and the whole company spent the evening in drink and music. Having discussed the glass question in all its phases, he gave them a letter to his manager at Friend- ship Hill, urging him to offer better terms than he himself had to induce them to stay. Three accepted at once, but the others continued their journey. Upon their arrival at Louisville they found the location unfit, and returned and joined their companions.
The building erected for the glass-works was a frame, forty by forty feet dimensions, three sides frame and one stone. This interesting establishment was situated a little over a mile above New Geneva, on the south bank of Georges Creek, on land purchased by Albert Gallatin of John Calhoun. It was an eight- pot factory, used wood for melting, and ashes instead of soda. The potash was manufactured by Patrick Brawley. The clerk of the works was Andrew Hoo- ver; book-keeper, James W. Nicholson. There was a difference of opinion in regard to the price at which the glass was to be sold, Gallatin advocating a fair price, fearing that a high one would bring a great competition. The price agreed upon was fourteen dollars per box. The style of the company was Gal- latin & Co. In a few years it was changed to "New Geneva Glass-Works." In 1807 the company erected
SPRINGHILL TOWNSHIP.
769
new and more commodions works in Greene County, where success continued to reward their efforts. They still retained the name "New Geneva Glass." In 1858, Christian Kramer died, at the age of eighty-five years. He was the last survivor of the original mem- bers of the glass-works company, and was the father of Allen Kramer, banker, of Pittsburgh.
The old glass-factory in Springhill has been de- molished, but all the houses built by the company as dwellings are still standing.
Not long after having established the glass-factory, Albert Gallatin offered indncements to any one who would engage in carding, spinning, and weaving. The saw-mill he had built a short distance from the glass-factory was fitted up in a suitable manner for the intended industry, and the necessary machinery bought. When all was completed a Mr. Collins was employed, who for many years continned the business. Several years afterwards, Ellis Stephenson erected works higher up Georges Creek, and carried on the manufacture of wool in all its branches, but the business finally languished and was abandoned.
The old Springhill Furnace was built by Robert Jones, who became a settler in Springhill in 1792, as already mentioned. In 1794 he and his brother Ben- jamin commenced iron-making at this furnace. It was afterwards sold to Jesse Evans (father of Col. Samnel Evans, of North Union township), who ran it for more than thirty years. This old furnace has been men- tioned at length in the article on iron-works in the general history of the county. The location is at the foot of the mountain, some four miles eastward from the cross-roads. Besides the furnace buildings, there is a Presbyterian Church, post-office, and store.
The only manufacturing done in Springhill outside of the iron business is the making of stoneware. Mr. James Eneix has a small establishment south of Friendship Hill, where a good article is made, but little capital is invested. All the turning is done by himself. The number of kilns burnt is eight an- nually, yielding twelve thousand gallons of ware.
SPRINGHILL CIVIL LIST.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1794. Isaac Griffin. 1807. Jesse Evans.
1802. James Robinson.
Thomas Williams .?
1804. Andrew Oliphant.
1823. Peter Stentz.
1 In the September term of court of Fayette County, 1797, a commit- tee which had been appointed in June previous made this report, that "the committee met on Tuesday, the 12th inst., and having viewed the ground from Springhill Furnace, by way of Sylvan Forge, to the Frame meeting-house, are of opinion that a public road is necessary," etc., which shows that the Sylvan Forge was then in existence.
2 It is stated that Thomas Williams, Esq., held the office of justice nf the peace from 1797 to the time of his death in 1837, a period of forty years.
1825. Thomas Beatty.
1837. James C. Ramsey.
Henry W. Core.
Philip Reitz.
1840-41.3 George Poundstone.
1842. Meredith Mallory.
1845. Thomas Morris. James Mustard.
1874. Jonathan Mource. Lewis F. Stentz.
1875. Lewis Hunter.
1850. James Mustard. John Holmes. Samuel H. Hunter.
1854. Jonathan Monroe. Lewis Hunter. Andrew Hertzog. 1879. Jacob Conn.
1855. Jeremiah Burchinal.
1880. Jacob Conn.
John Stentz.
AUDITORS.
1841. William Newman.
1860. George G. Ilertzog.
1842. John Holms.
1861. Jasper N. Gans.
1843.
1862. John S. Baker.
1844. Richard Poundstone.
1863. B. F. Morgan.
William F. Nicholson.
1864. James Mustard.
1845.
1865. George Baker.
1846. Thomas Morris.
1866. C. S. Emery.
John Keiser.
1867. Jacob Bowers.
Jacob Gans.
1847. Abrabam B. Hall.
George Baker.
1848. Thomas Morris.
1849. George W. Litman.
1850. Abraham B. Hall.
1871.
1851. William Hardin.
1873. G. D. Bowers.
1852. George W. Litman.
1874. Joseph Burchinal.
1853. John L. Gans.
1875. John A. Clark.
1854. James Brooks.
1876. G. D. Bowers.
1855. David Evans.
1877. Sylvester Hertzog.
1856. James Mustard.
1878. John A. Clark.
1857. Thomas Morris.
1879. D. M. Baker.
1858. David Evans.
1880. A. J. Gans.
1859. Lawrence L. Crawford.
1881. Joseph L. Baker.
ASSESSORS.
1861. John A. Lyons.
1842. Thomas Board. 1862. William Baker.
1843. John Keyser.
1863. James Mustard.
1844. Warwick Ross.
1864. James Brooks.
1845. Richard Poundstone.
1865. Daniel O. Mustard.
1846. James Brooks. 1866. David Bowers.
1847. John Sergent.
1867. Thomas Batton.
1848. William Scott.
1868. David Morgan.
1849. John Keiser.
1869. David Rutrick.
1850. Lewis Hunter.
1870. Thomas C. Dunham.
1851. Samuel Frankinberry. 1871. Constitution changed.
1852. Conrad S. Emery. 1873. George Board.
1853. Samuel M. Cagey.
1874. John T. Stewart.
1854. Michael Crow, Jr.
1875. George J. Bowers.
1855. Allen Neal.
1876. A. J. Gans.
i 1856. Joseph Neal. 1877. A. J. Emery.
1857. Ilenry O'Neil.
1878. G. W. Ross.
1858. Samuel Frankinberry.
1879. George Campbell.
1859. Conrad S. Emery.
1880. L. B. Clemmer.
1860. James McCloy.
| 1881. William P. Stewart.
Springhill has no towns or villages, Point Marion, Morris' Cross-Roads, and Springhill Furnace are the chief centres. Point Marion (named in honor of Gen.
3 Prior to this date the office had been held by appointment ; after 1840 the justices were elected by the people.
1859. Jonathan Monroe. James Mustard.
1860. Lewis Ilunter.
1864. William McCleary.
1865. Thomas Morris.
1869. Jonathan Monroe.
1868. James Brooks.
1869. A. D. Frankinbery.
1870. Michael D. Baker.
Northwest of the Springhill Furnace site, on Georges Creek, was the "Sylvan Forge," built in | 1841. George Neal. 17961 by John and Andrew Oliphant. In connec- tion with their iron-works, they built a large stone grist-mill, now the property of Samnel Hunter, Esq.
770
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Francis Marion) is located in the " Forks of Cheat," -- that is, on the south side of that stream, at its june- tion with the Monongahela River. It dates back to February, 1843. It contains forty-three dwellings, a Methodist Episcopal Church (a branch of the Greens- boro', Greene Co., Methodist Church ), with a consid- erable membership; a town hall, school-house, two stores, shoe-shop, two blacksmith-shops, cabinet-shop, post-office, two planing-mills, two saw-mills, two sash and building-furnishing firms. The first manufac- turing company, Frankinberry & Co., was organized in 1867. The most important now is Keiser, Frank- inberry & Co., organized 1880; capital, twelve thou- sand dollars.
The other company is John A. Clark and Ira N. Burchinal, established July 31, 1875, planing- and saw-mill, and sash and door manufacturers.
Morris' Cross-Roads was named for Absalom Morris, who was an inn-keeper here for many years. It is located where the New Geneva and Springhill Fur- nace road intersects the Uniontown and Morgantown roads. It is the polling-place of the township, and has been since the year 1816. Prior to that time Springhill, Georges, and German voted at the house of Nicholas Riffle, but the inconvenience was so great that the polling-places were changed. The last joint election was at the time of the first election of James Monroe as President, in the year named. Morris' Cross-Roads contains a post-office, store, public-house, and blacksmith-shop.
SCHOOLS.
The first house built for school purposes in Spring- hill was the one near Morris' Cross-Roads, erected near the close of the eighteenth century. The Mount Moriah church building, built in 1773, was also used for school purposes. There were also school-houses at Bear Wallow and Forks of Cheat. Another, near the " old glass-works" on Georges Creek, was built at a very early day. To give the names of all the teachers who taught in these old houses is now impossible. Only a few have been ascertained, viz .: Alexander Clare, Thomas Clare, Jeptha Curtis, John Lyneh, Samuel Kinkaid, - McCarty, Salva Crosby, Esther Gans, John Knox McGee, Thomas Couser, Henry O'Neal, - Coburn, and Singleton.
Since the introduction of the free school system the following school buildings have been erected, num- bered and named in the following order : Ross', Fal- len Timber, Forks of Cheat, Lutheran, Sheets', Mor- gan's, Bunker Hill, and Mountain. The school prop- erty (houses, furniture, and sites) is valued at eight thousand dollars. Following are the school statistics of Springhill for the school year ending June, 1881, viz .: Number of children on school-roll, 374; daily attendance, 237; tax levied in 1880, 81198.06; State appropriation, 8369.60; balance from 1879, $8.83.
Nicholson school directors. On the 7th of June, 1837, they reported to the county treasurer as being ready to comply with the requirements of the free school law of 1834. May 22, 1835, they received $123.65, and from the county $276.10, the first sum being the State appropriation. From this period the free school system has had but little opposition in Springhill. Following is a list of school directors elected in Springhill from the time when the sehool law went into full operation in the township until the present time, viz. :
1841 .- Samuel Roderick, Jonathan Monroe, Adam Stum.
1842 .- James Brooks, Jacob Gans, William P. Griffin.
1843 .- James Thompson, George Beatty.
1844 .- John Schnatterly, Vincent Gray.
1845 .- Lewis Hunter, John D. Scott.
1846 .- John Sergent, Jasper Clemmer.
1847 .- John Sowers, R. D. Merryman.
1848 .- Samuel Hall, James Mustard, John Stentz.
1849 .- John Stentz. John Morris, Thomas Morris, Allen Dun- ham, Luther Burchioal.
1850 .- John Keiser, Jacob Gans.
1851 .- Lewis IIun'er, James Reynolds, John Lyons.
1852 .- Adam Stum, John Morris, John Baker.
1853 .- Lee Tate, John Baker, Adam Stumm, John Morgan, Washington Brown, Michael Crow, Meredith Mallory, Hiram Jones.
1854 .- John A. Lyons, Henry Rutrick, J. M. Oliphant, Mere- dith Mallory.
1855 .- David Morgan, Samuel Hall, David Bowan.
1856 .- John Cagey, John Hertzog.
1857 .- Henry Brownfield, Samuel Frankinberry.
1858 .- John J. Morris, James M. Oliphant.
1859 .- John Conn, Altha Gans.
1860 .- C. S. Emery, S. W. Cagy, Jesse E. Stentz.
1861 .- Alexander Ross, Conrad S. Emery.
1862 .- Lewis Hunter, Joseph Bowers, Thomas W. Lyons.
1863 .- Joseph Gans, Jr., M. D. Baker.
1864 .- Lewis Hunter, Adolph Eberhart.
1865 .- Alexander Ross, Jesse B. Dunham, William MeCleary.
1866 .- Joseph Gans, Joseph Bowers.
1867 .- William L. Morgan, George Bierer, Samuel Frankin- berry, John A. Lyons.
1868 .- David Bowers, Michael Conn.
1869 .- John II. Gans, M. D. Baker.
1870 .- Jonathan Monroe, W. B. Scott, George Baker.
1873 .- John A. Lyons, Phineas West.
1874 .- J. L. Baker, George Hertzog, Ira Keiser.
1875 .- John L. Baker, Thomas J. Burchinal. 1876 .- William L. Morris, William B. Scott.
1877 .- Joseph Lyons, John Davis, Ira Keiser.
1878 .- Michael D. Baker, A. G. Hall.
1879 .- Joseph Bowers, Joseph Bnrchinal.
1880 .- Calvin llussart, Noah Darbey.
1881 .- O. J. Stewart, Elmer Cascy.
CHURCHES.
The Mount Moriah church edifice in Springhill belongs to the Presbyterians, who purchased four acres of ground upon which it stands of Joseph Caldwell. According to the court records it was in process of erection in July, 1793. The church was dedicated by
On the 2d of January, 1835, the court of Fayette County appointed Robert Brown and James W. Rev. James Power, of New Castle Presbytery, in 1774.
Albert Gallatin
771
SPRINGHILL TOWNSHIP.
In 1776 he brought his family and lived upon Georges Creek for two years. The elders were Mclain, Pol- lock, Frame, Abrams, Hill, Crow, Dils, Phillips, and Ramsey. In 1778 James Dunlap preached for this chnrcb.
This continued to be the chief Presbyterian Church until the organization of the "Old Frame," as it is generally called, in 1788. Its history from that time is so completely blended with that of the younger church that the reader is referred to the history of the churches in Nicholson township.
The St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, lo- cated near Morris' Cross-Roads, is a branch of the " Old Dutch Church" of German township, organ- ized by the Rev. John Stough, a Reformed Lutheran, in the latter part of 1793. The mother-church made arrangements in 1854-55 to provide a house of wor- ship nearer the residences of certain members in Springhill. The building was ready to be occupied Jan. 4, 1856, and was then dedicated. Rev. J. K. Melhorn was in charge of these congregations for several years (before and after the building of the new house), and to his efforts Springhill is largely in- debted for the continuance and prosperity of this church. The elders are Conrad Emery and Michael Baker.
In the Forks of Cheat the Methodists have a neat frame church. The congregation is under the charge of Rev. MeCurdy, of the Greensboro', Greene Co., Methodist Church, of which it is a branch.
The old " Free Church," near where the Church of the Disciples now stands, was built about the year 1825 by a union of professed Christians. Freeman Lewis, on his (1832) map of Fayette Connty, has it named the "New Lights' Church." The history of this church has been giveu by A. W. Scott, from which the following is taken. In 1820 a stranger reg- istered himself at a tavern in Uniontown as Peter T. Lashley, Christian minister. As soon as it was dis- covered that he was a preacher he was invited to preach in the court-house, which he did to the great edification of the people. He next preached in Smith- field, where his sermons created considerable excite- ment. His doctrine took hold, and members from nearly all denominations professed it. The Ganses, who were Dunkards, with many others, joined and built the Free Church. The elders were William Gans, William Saddler, and Joseph Bowers. The house burnt down in 1853. Near it the Disciples have erected a frame house of worship. The only surviving elder is A. W. Gans. The church was erected in 1861.
SPRINGHILL SOLDIERS.
were men who enlisted in Capt. John Phillips' com- pany, which numbered one hundred and twenty-five men when he marched them across the Monongahela River on their way to Pittsburgh. Capt. Peter Hert- zog was from Springhill. His company was styled a " rifle company," and served in the Northwest under Gen. Harrison. The names of the men who went from Springhill in these companies have not been found.
In the war of the Rebellion a great number of men from Springhill entered the army of the United States, serving in various regiments of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Among them were those named below, viz .: Ashbel G. Duncan, in Capt. George W. Gilmore's company, mustered into the service of West Virginia ; afterwards raised a company, and became its captain, in a cavalry regiment, Fourteenth Penn- sylvania. In the Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Regi- ment, Robert H. Ross, Martin Eberhart, William Eberhart, Charles B. Eneix, David R. Sturgis, Phineas Sturgis, George A. Burchinal, Thomas Moser, Jesse Jones. In the One Hundred and Sixty-first Pennsylvania Regiment, Richard Stephenson, Samuel Le Clare, Jackson Dougherty. In the One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment, John Thompson. In regiments not known, Michael Clem- mer, George Ganoe, John Ganoe, Alexander Dough- erty, Ephraim Provance, Adolph Provance, Abner MeLain, Alfred Swearingin, Charles O'Neil, Calvin Ruble, Willey Burchinal, James T. Dougherty, Allen Frankinberry.
Capt. George W. Gilmore's cavalry company was raised in Fayette County. The company was ac cepted in July, 1861. They were denominated the " Pennsylvania Dragoons," and attached to the First Virginia Cavalry. Capt. Gilmore is a son of Hon. David Gilmore, and well known in Fayette County. He was born June 7, 1832, near McClellandtown. He at present resides in Dade County, Mo.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. ALBERT GALLATIN.
Albert Gallatin, who was nominally a resident of Fayette County for fully forty years in the last part of the eighteenth and the first quarter of the nine- teenth century, and who actually lived here during a considerable portion of that period, might, perhaps, in view of the high offices he held and the distin- guished public services he performed, be regarded as the most illustrious citizen of Fayette during the almost century of its existence as a county. He was a native of Switzerland, born at Geneva, Jan. 29, 1761. His ancestor, John Gallatin, secretary to the Duke of Savoy, emigrated to Geneva early in the sixteenth one of the city magistrates when Switzerland became
In the war of 1812-15, Springhill sent a consider- , century, and, having embraced the Reformation, was able number of soldiers to the army. Among these
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
a republie. The family was one of no little note, embracing among those allied to it the celebrated Madame de Staël and her distinguished father, Necker, the famous French minister of finance.
Albert Gallatin graduated at Geneva in 1779, and in 1780, when in his twentieth year, he emigrated to America, being attracted here by the great struggle for liberty that was then in progress. Landing at Boston, one of his first aets after his arrival was to offer his services to the American Congress, which were accepted, and he was assigned to duty in the defense of Passamaquoddy, where, as well as at Ma- chias, he served under Col. John Allen. He did not, however, long remain in the military service. In 1782 he came into possession of a moderate patrimony in Switzerland, and immediately after the elose of the Revolution he was located in Richmond, Va., as the agent of a European commercial honse. While there he became acquainted with a number of prominent men, and among these was Patrick Henry, Governor of the State; and it was in accordance with the advice of Governor Henry that he purchased lands in the West, in the valleys of the Ohio and Monongahela, which resulted in his becoming a resident in the south part of Fayette County. While in Richmond he became acquainted with an Italian lady, Madame Allegre, and her daughter Sophia, who was the acknowledged belle of the city. The young people became mutually attached to each other, and this resulted (May 14, 1789) in the marriage of Gallatin to Sophia Allegre, though it was done against the violent and deter- mined opposition of her mother. The young couple removed to the valley of the Monongahela, and occu- pied a log house in Springhill township. Three weeks later the bride died, and her remains were interred at " Friendship Hill," where they still repose, in a grave unmarked by any memorial stone (in accordance with her dying request to Gallatin), but which in later years was inclosed by a neat fence, by direction of the then proprietor of the estate, the Hon. John L. Daw- son. On the 11th of November, 1793, Gallatin mar- ried Hannah Nicholson, daughter of Commodore James Nicholson, U.S.N.
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