History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections, Part 41

Author: Bradsby, H. C. (Henry C.)
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago : S. B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1532

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Col. Nathan Denison .- A name immortally linked with the battle of Wyo- ming. He commanded the left wing of Col. Butler's forces, and received the shock of the overwhelming flankers of the enemy; here was the heavy slaughter of that bloody day. The enemy suddenly rose from their ambush, to his left and rear, and with savage yells and fury bore down upon his command. In order to meet this movement that officer was compelled to execute the double maneuver of wheeling to the left and at the same time fall back to prevent the enemy from gaining his rear, a dangerous movement to attempt in the face of a flank onslaught, even with

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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.

the best of the "Old Guard." The commander promptly gave the order; the men quickly moved, when many lost all control of themselves and started a "stampede." Denison and his intrepid officers did all that could be done to rally the men and meet the shock of battle, but in vain. The bloody sequel is known to the world.

He was in command of the fort and negotiated the terms of honorable sur- render, under the circumstances, alike creditable to his head and heart. The flaming falsehoods that went into the contemporary history of that day, into all the accounts of the scenes after the surrender, as published in the histories of Ramsey, Gordon, Botta, Marshall, and the London Gentleman's Magazine of 1778, while "all false," as Mr. Miner says, were a most outrageous reflection on the transac- tions as negotiated and carried out under the wise and able leadership of Col. Deni- son. In behalf of his memory let it never be forgotten, and strange it is that these writers never thought of referring to Col. Denison for the truth of history, the very man above all others cognizant of the facts-but seized upon the wildest imaginings and published these as the truths of history. He evidently regarded these bloody fictions as unworthy serious refutation, and during his long and worthy life among his old neighbors and friends he never so much as referred to them. He was ready to tell, and did often tell, all who inquired of him that after the surrender there was but one life taken, and that was the execution of Boyd, by Col. John Butler, as a deserter from the British army; he was tried by court-martial and shot. Much in the same way Gen. Sullivan executed one of his men here when on his noted expedition.

Nathan Denison and Zebulon Butler were commissioned by the general assem- bly justices in 1773, when this was, of the colony of Connecticut, erected into a chartered town, called Westmoreland, and attached to the county of Litchfield, Conn., and upon them chiefly devolved the work of organizing the machinery of civil government here. Both were men admirably equipped by nature and educa- tion for the difficult work of creating States.

From first to last Gen. Denison stood faithfully by his friends and neighbors, and to his last hour on earth no man was more beloved and respected by every- body. When the long double struggle was finally ended, and the jurisdiction of Connecticut ceased, and the Pennsylvania authority was complete, Gen. Denison was appointed one of the associates of the court for the county, the four members of the court being Denison, Gore, Fell and Hollenback, selected as men having eminently the full confidence of the people; men of integrity and sound sense.

Judge Denison, as he was universally called in the latter years of his life, returned to Connecticut soon after peace was declared, and brought his father, who resided here the remainder of his days, died in 1803, aged eighty-eight.

Col. Nathan Denison was united in marriage with Miss Sill in 1769, in a log cabin that stood on what is the corner of River and South streets, at one time where stood the old Wells house, -the first marriage in Wyoming.

Their son, Lazarus Denison, was born in 1773, and is said to be the first white child born in the valley.

George Denison, a son of Col. Denison, became one of the prominent men of northern Pennsylvania, was several terms in the legislature, and a member of con- gress; in every station serving with distinguished ability and fidelity.

Col. Nathan Denison departed this life January 25, 1809, aged sixty-eight years.

Dorrances .- Col. Benjamin Dorrance was a son of Col. George Dorrance, and of this member of the family Mr. Miner here makes special mention; opening his remarks with a description of the beautiful farm on which he resided-a part of the old Butler domain.

The Dorrance family came from Windham county, Conn. There were two brothers, George and John, who settled in Kingston; both men of intelligence and

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energy. Lieut .- Col. George Dorrance, in 1777, led a large scouting party up the river consisting of eighty men, to disperse or capture a settlement of Indians and tories on the Wyalusing. Having accomplished the object, an unseasonable snow storm detained them beyond their expected time, and they suffered extremely from cold and hunger. By Col. Dorrance's order rafts were made of the huts from which the enemy had been driven, and the whole of the company were safely wafted down to Forty fort. In the battle Lieut. - Col. Dorrance commanded on the left wing under Col. Denison. His coolness in the midst of the fight, when one of his men gave way, is shown by the firm command, instantly obeyed: "Stand up to your work, sir." He fell in the prime of life, being about forty-five. In the Independ- ent company of Capt. Ransom was Robert, the eldest of his two sons. He served to the close of the war; afterward in the western army; and was in the battle resulting in St. Clair's defeat. A good soldier, he was said to have been one of the few who did not abandon his gun in the flight. True to his colors to the last, he died in the army, supposed to have fallen in a subsequent engagement. Col. Benja- min Dorrance departed this life in August, 1837, aged seventy years, and was interred in the Kingston burying ground with every possible mark of respect and affection. He left two sons. Col. Charles Dorrance, resembling much his father. The Rev. John Dorrance was pastor of the Presbyterian church in Wilkes-Barre many years.

Benjamin Dorrance was in Forty fort at the time of the surrender, but a lad at the time. His young mind was deeply affected by the scenes of that day.

When a young man he was elected sheriff of Luzerne county. Soon after his term as sheriff expired, he was elected county commissioner. In 1808 he was chosen member of the assembly, and was re-elected for several terms, as often as he would consent to stand for the office. Among the characteristics of Col. Dor- rance conspicuously shone the virtues of firmness and moderation. Ebenezer Bow- man used to say he united in an extraordinary degree the suavitor in modo with the fortiter in re. Concession and conciliation, when no principle was involved, restor- ing harmony and inspiring confidence by healing councils, were his weapons and policy. Grave at the council board, merry at the banquet-bis life has been highly useful, respectable and happy.

John Dorrance was born in 1733, the elder brother of Col. George Dorrance; lived a bachelor life and died in July, 1804, aged seventy-one years.

Lieut .- Col. George Dorrance, of the militia, reported killed, was severely wounded, taken prisoner, and being unable to march with his captors, it is said, was massacred the next day, the 4th. Perhaps it is nearer the truth to think he died of his wounds.

He and his brother John, sons of Rev. Samuel Dorrance, came to Wyoming with the early immigrants. George was born March 4, 1736. John died January 9, 1804.

Rev. Samuel Dorrance was a Scotch Presbyterian minister, and was graduated at Glasgow university, Scotland, and came to this country from Ireland in 1722, and was ordained a minister of the church at Voluntown, Conn., October 23, 1723, where he was serving as late as 1760. He died November 12, 1775, aged ninety years.

Benjamin Dorrance was a son of Col. George Dorrance; and he made this place his residence, returning with the family as soon as the dangers of war were passed enough for the Wyoming people to again possess their ruined homes.

Col. Charles Dorrance was a son of Benjamin Dorrance, and almost on the very ground where his heroic grandfather offered up his life as a sacrifice on the altar of liberty, spent his long, useful and honorable life.

Benjamin, father of the late Charles, was the son of George by his second wife. He was born in 1765 and died August 24, 1837. He was one of the most popular

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men of his time, having been county commissioner, sheriff and seven times a mem- ber of the Pennsylvania legislature. He was also the first president of the Wyom- ing (now the Wyoming National) bank of this city. He married Nancy Bucking- ham, of Windham, Conn.

Col. Charles Dorrance was born January 4, 1805, and died at the old family home in Dorranceton, January 18, 1892. At the time of his death one of the oldest representatives of one of the most prominent pioneer families in the valley, a direct descendant of one of the noblest lives sacrificed in the Wyoming battle on the fate- ful day of July 3, 1778, and one into whose veins the patriotic blood of patriotic ancestry infused a spirit akin to theirs, which kept their early struggles and hard- ships ever fresh in his mind and filled him with a desire to honor their memory in public exercises on each recurring anniversary of their sacrifice. The spirit was finally inspiration for the organization of the Wyoming Commemorative association, which, beginning with the 3d of July, 1878, has annually held appropriate exercises on the monument grounds, conducted by the Colonel as president of the association -a position which he filled from the time of its organization until his death. He was proud of his ancestry, proud of their self-sacrificing devotion to homes and country, and in his declining years manifested a desire not only to do them honor himself, but to inspire those younger than he with the same patriotic impulse, so that when he should have passed away there would be others to take up his work and continue it with the same zeal that had characterized his efforts in its behalf.

He was born and always lived in the old homestead, surrounded by a beautiful farm of generous and productive acres, and his home has ever been one of the pleas- antest and most attractive in the valley, noted for its hospitality, always offering a hearty, whole-souled welcome to the guest and imparting to the visitor the same genial, comforting feeling enjoyed by all the members of his household.

While he never sought official position, he was still more or less a public man and felt a keen interest in all that pertained to the public good. One whose wise coun- sels were largely sought, he exerted an influence upon almost all with whom he came in contact, and his life was one of industrious activity and marked success.

His military title, which he carried for about fifty years, was won in service with the Wyoming Volunteers, having risen from the position of captain through the suc- cessive grades to the rank of colonel. He was for a number of years one of the prison commissioners of Luzerne county, his appointment having been the last official act of Judge Conyngham, and served as president of the board during his several terms. At the time of his death he was president of the Wyoming National bank and of the Wilkes-Barre Bridge company, both of which positions he had held for many years, discharging their duties with marked ability. Both prospered under his wise and judicious guidance. The Wyoming National bank is to-day one of the most stable institutions of its kind in the country, and the son, as its head, proved a worthy successor to the father who preceded him by more than half a century.

It may be said of Col. Dorrance that those who knew him best found most in him to admire. Beneath an exterior that may at times have appeared cold and indiffer- ent, there was a warm-hearted, generous and sympathetic nature, and while his charity was not of the ostentatious kind, it may not be said that a truly worthy sub- ject was ever turned from his door empty handed, and many there are who have cause to cherish grateful remembrance of him for kindnesses that he had done. His friendship was stable and lasting, he recognized worth whenever and in whomsoever he found it, and in his mind industry, integrity and honesty of purpose were car- dinal virtues and passports to admiration and favor.

Of his family surviving he left a widow, who was Susan E. Ford, youngest daughter of Hon. James Ford, of Lawrenceville, Pa., and five children-four sons and a daughter: Benjamin F. and J. Ford Dorrance, of Dorranceton; John, of

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Keytesville, Chariton county, Mo .; Charles, of Chicago, and Mrs. Sheldon Reynolds, of this city, to whom, besides a generous bequest of worldly possessions, he leaves an honored name and the record of an unusually long life of business activity, indom- itable energy, supreme usefulness and flattering prosperity.

The first time the writer of these lines ever saw Col. Dorrance he was presiding over the regular annual meeting of the Wyoming Commemorative association, July 3, 1891, at the base of the monument on the ground where is the dust of the fallen heroes. The grand old man, eloquent in every movement on the anniversary of that memorable day, and prophetic too in warning those younger men present that he was with them for the last time, at least officially, if not in propria persona, his noble face kindled with the fire of patriotism as he referred to the sacred ashes beneath the pyramid of stone above them. He counseled the younger generation to take up the good work that he was about to quit, and at each succeeding celebration to kindle anew the signal fires of liberty and patriotism. I could not but think that were it possible for the dead to know something of the movements upon earth-to see their descendants gathered at the base of their mausoleum, with this noble lineal representative of Col. George Dorrance presiding over the exercises of the day-they would know that the noble sacrifices of noble men were not in vain.

Col. Mathias Hollenback was a native of Virginia, who heard of this wonder- ful valley and came to see it; a born merchant and trader, and by association and a strong love of justice and liberty, became in a brief time a prominent " Connecticut settler."

In 1771, when the whole white population on the east side of the river occupied a stockade at the point where Mill creek unites with the Susquehanna, Mr. H., then aged eighteen, was one of its inhabitants. Huts were erected around the inside against the upright timbers. One was possessed by Capt. Zebulon Butler; next in the row was the store, containing the humble beginnings of the object of this notice. A boarding hut, having two rooms, was the third in order, kept by Dr. Spragne, Mr. Nathan Denison, a young bachelor from Stonington, making one of the family. On the enlistment of two independent companies being directed at West- moreland, congress appointed Mathias Hollenback an ensign. Sergt. Williams used to take pleasure in relating the battle at Millstone, and the daring spirit exhib- ited by Ensign H., when he led and cheered his men, wading the river waist deep to attack the British regulars, insuring victory. When danger to Wyoming became imminent, and congress turned a deaf ear to pressing calls for protection, throwing up his commission he returned, not to avoid, but to meet danger. The skill acquired by eighteen months' service in camp was imparted to the militia, and his undaunted and elastic spirit infused into all around him. When the invasion came, when that terrible descent was made by Butler and his savage allies, when the war tocsin rung, and the alarm trumpet sounded from hill to hill, calling to battle, young Hollenback was among the foremost who sprang to arms and prepared to meet the foe. Our little army was composed chiefly of aged, or very young men, hastily called together. An enemy, fearful for his numbers, and terrible for his ferocity, was descending upon them. A vast distance and howling wilderness intervened between the settle- ment and any hope of assistance. It was indeed the moment to try the firmness of a soldier. Nearly all who were able to bear arms assembled; and Mr. Hollenback took his station in the midst of them. But two, or nearer three to one, was hope- less odds; while the right under our gallant Butler, where Hollenback was stationed, was advancing, the left, outflanked by hordes of savages, was compelled to give way. Thrown into confusion, the retreat became a rout, which no human courage or con- duct could arrest. Mr. Hollenback was among those who escaped to the river. Expert in all manly exercises, he swam to Monocacy island, and then to the eastern shore. Foreseeing the necessity of instant aid from abroad, mounting his horse, he rode all night, gave information to Capt. Spalding's company, which so tardily had been

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permitted to advance, and with praiseworthy thoughtfulness, rapidly returned, laden with bread, for the relief of the flying widows and their suffering children. Impart- ing a saving morsel to one, and then hastening on to another starving group, he came, said the ancient people, "like an angel of mercy." Ever prompt at the call of duty, Mr. Hollenback was actively engaged in collecting the remains of the slain, and giving them the most decent burial circumstances at that time permitted. On the passage by the Connecticut assembly of a resolve, allowing Wyoming to make their own powder, Mr. Hollenback was looked to, to provide the requisite machinery. His arrival with the "Pounders" was spoken of by Mrs. Jenkins, with exultation, as an important event, for previously powder for the settlement was (chiefly) brought from Connecticut on horseback. After the enemy retired Mr. Hollenback was among the first to return and resume his former business. His shrewdness, fore- sight and enterprise soon had laid the sure foundation of his fortune. He was the first to establish a line of stores from Wilkes-Barre to the Genesee, along the Sus- quehanna river, and no man was better known through lower New York and all over northern Pennsylvania. At every principal point he established a store, and at such place would open a farm-carrying merchandise and commerce hand in hand. A most valuable man in the frontier community; his large views and public spirit were nearly invaluable in their time. After the contention over the soil here had ceased, he received many marks of favor from the Pennsylvania authorities. He was con- nected with the early militia of the county and from this circumstance received his military title, but he was more widely known in the later years of his life as " Judge" Hollenback. On the organization of Luzerne county he was chosen one of the asso- ciate judges-a position he filled nearly forty years, to the hour of his death. He was a noted friend of public improvements, and no man watched with keener inter- est the building of the canal up the river. He was a rough, strong man of large ideas and swift performance. Born February 15, 1752, he died February 18, 1829, aged seventy-seven years.

Col. John Jenkins was the son of John Jenkins, a magistrate and surveyor. Responsive to the first whisper of independence, the people of the valley assembled in town meeting to proclaim their hearty approval of the movement. The presiding officer at that meeting was Col. Jenkins; he was moderator, and in common with the other patriots assembled, devoted their lives and their sacred honor to the great cause of their fellow-man. Of that meeting and its resolves in behalf of liberty, Hon. Charles Miner has well said: "I would rather have those patriotic votes to show, as the work of an ancestor of mine, than the proudest patent of nobility ever granted by a king."

Col. John Jenkins was appointed tax collector, but was enrolled for military duty and was actively employed from first to last. He served the people with ability and fidelity in the Connecticut general assembly, when this was Westmoreland county. His neat and accurate records of surveys from Wilkes-Barre extending a considerable distance into New York, are the never-failing authority of civil engi- neers to this day. He was a democrat and nearly worshiped his ideal, Thomas Jefferson, while his friend and much a close companion in all those times that tried men's souls, Col. John Franklin, was an enthusiastic federalist. Here their polit- ical lines parted, but on the great question of liberty and human rights they were as the steel and magnet.

Of his capture while on a scouting expedition near Wyalusing, has been told on a preceding page. After a long and cruel captivity he returned and was the first to bring positive information of the invasion. The joy of the people at his safe return was turned to sudden gloom by the cloud then seen to be gathering in the north. He had been only recently married when captured. Mrs. Bertha Jenkins lived to the age of eighty-four years; died in 1841.

After the battle of Wyoming he joined Capt. Spalding's company and came in

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with him under the command of Col. Butler. When the troops had advanced to the second mountain, within five or six miles of Wilkes-Barre, two parties were detached of ten men each, under Ensign M. Hollenback, to go down between the mountains and strike the valley opposite Nanticoke falls; the other, under Lieut. Jenkins, to go northerly and strike the river at Lackawanna. Ensign Hollenback saw a party of savages, who fled to their canoe; a shot from one of his rifles wounded an Indian, who sprang into the river, but was buoyed up by his friends till they reached the opposite shore, when he was carried off-whether dead or alive, could not be ascertained. One of our men, bravely, perhaps rashly, swam the river, found marks of blood, took the canoe as a trophy, and returned to his companions. Ensign Hollenback then marched up to Wilkes-Barre and met the main body. Lieut. Jen- kins, on arriving at the river at Pittston, wheeled to march down, when he encoun- tered a party of the enemy. His orders were prompt, his conduct spirited. At the head of his men he advanced; they fired on the Indians, but their retreat was too rapid. A person with him assured us that the conduct of Jenkins showed that he was of true courage, an undoubted soldier-a character which he sustained throughout the war. Congress confirmed his appointment-issued his commission -and he continued in active service till peace.

In 1779, when Gen. Sullivan advanced into the Indian country, Lieut. Jen- kins was selected, for his activity, zeal, and knowledge of the country, for one of his guides; the arduous and responsible duty he performed in a satisfactory manner. Lieut. Jenkins was in the decisive battle of Newtown, and among the most efficient and useful officers of his grade in that campaign. He was always at the post of duty, of danger and of honor; and left the service, at its close, with the reputation of a faithful patriot and good soldier.

When peace came Mr. Jenkins became an active surveyor, and followed his compass, both in the Genesee country, and on the waters of the Susquehanna. In civil and political affairs he took an active part, and possessed a large share of public confidence. He held various civil and military offices in Luzerne- was com- missioner of the county, member of assembly, colonel of militia, etc. When the great division in parties took place, Col. Jenkins zealously espoused the democratic side-while his distinguished friend and rival, Col. Franklin, took an active part with the federal party. For many years these two famous champions maintained a prominent lead, and were, in a good measure, the rallying points of the different parties. It was buzza for Col. Jenkins! Huzza for Col. Franklin! Both were respected, both beloved, both were men of unquestionable public virtue, capacity and patriotism.

Col. Jenkins died in April, 1827, aged seventy-three. In person he was of middle hight, stout, well-proportioned, framed for strength, endurance and activity combined; extremely hospitable, remarkably clever, yet grave, almost to austerity, in his looks when in thought or not speaking, but when animated in conversation there was patent the open window of a noble soul.

Col. George Palmer Ransom, son of Capt. Samuel Ransom, was hardly fourteen years of age at the commencement of the war of the Revolution, yet he was among the first to shoulder his musket and go forth to battle for freedom. In the dead of winter, in 1777, as a member of his father's company, he marched out to join Wash- ington's army. Capts. Ransom's and Durkee's companies, when they were sent to Washington had about eighty men each; attached to no regiment or brigade, but acted as independent, and were, therefore, always in the more exposed and danger- ous positions. They went to Morristown by way of Stroudsburg; thence to Mill- stone. The enemy were at Brunswick, about an hour's march distant. The enemy came out in considerable force to forage, carrying three pieces of cannon. They were attacked, routed and forty-seven wagons and 130 horses taken from them. In the engagement Justice Porter was almost cut in two by a cannon ball. Capt. Ran-

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History of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections, Part 41

Author: Bradsby, H. C. (Henry C.) Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago : S. B. Nelson Number of Pages: 1532

Author: Bradsby, H. C. (Henry C.)
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago : S. B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1532