History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 23

Author: edited by John F. Meginness
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1650

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PEACE DECLARED.

But a better day was dawning for the distressed settlers. A silver lining was discernible on the face of the black cloud which had so long hung over them and blighted their prospects. On the 30th of November, 1782, uews was received of the signing of a treaty on the part of Great Britain acknowledging the independence of

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the United States, and on the 20th of January, 1783, the preliminary treaty of peace was signed, and on the 11th of April Congress issued a proclamation enjoining a cessation of hostilities, and on the 16th of the same month the Supreme Executive Council made public announcement of the happy event. The definitive treaty of peace with England was ratified by Congress, January 14, 1784, and the event so long looked for was celebrated all over the land as soon as the fact was made known. The inhabitants, from Muncy valley to Lycoming and Pine creeks, rejoiced as they never rejoiced before, when the cheering news spread through the land, for they now felt that they would no longer be molested and could cultivate their fields in safety.

Soon after the project of invading the Indian country again was abandoned, Capt. Thomas Robinson, who had proved himself such a vigilant and efficient guardian of the valley, was removed from Fort Muncy to Wyoming, and in March, 1783, he was placed in command of the fort at that place, where he served until discharged in November of that year.

Nothing is known of his early history. He came here from Reading and raised his company of rangers. After the war he settled on an island in Pine creek, and it came to be known as Robinson's island. He engaged in land speculation, and the tract on which Youngwomanstown is located was surveyed on a warrant issued in his name, October 6, 1786. When on a visit up the North Branch on land business he was taken ill, and while descending the river to Wyoming in a boat, exposed to the warm sun, his disease was so much aggravated that he died on his arrival there in August, 1792. He had a family, but the number of his children is not now remembered. One of his daughters, Mary, became the wife of John T. Cook, who lived on a fine farm lying on the river just west of the mouth of Pine creek. Cook represented Clinton county in the legislature in 1843, and died, January 19, 1860, and is buried in Jersey Shore cemetery.

In the statement of Colonel Hunter's receipts and disbursements, it appears that he paid Captain Robinson the following sums, either on his own account, or on ac- count of raising his company :

For raising his company, July 11, 1780, £2878 17s 6d; for recruiting his ranging company, December 8, 1781, £120, specie. For the recruiting service, January 7, 1781, £815 12s 6d; Jan- uary 16th, £811 10s; total, £1627 2s 6d. Paid him for raising his company, October 3, 1781, £37 10s; October 15th, £18 15s; total, £56 5s, State currency. For raising his company, De- cember 21, 1781, £18; February 23, 1782, £6; May 20th, £23 10s; total, £47 10s, specie. Paid him per Lieut. Samuel McGrady for six-months' men, May 20, 1782, £13 2s 6d, specie.

On pages 766-767, Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. XIV, the follow- lowing record of Captain Robinson's "Ranging Companies" is given: Captain, Thomas Robinson, April 8, 1780. Lieutenants: Joseph Alexander, April 8, 1780; resigned June 16, 1780; John Faulkner, June 16, 1780, vice Alexander. Ensign, Moses Van Campen.

Captain, Thomas Robinson, February 10, 1781. Lieutenant, Moses Van Cam- pen, February 10, 1781. Ensigns: Samuel Quinn, June 26, 1781; Thomas Chambers, March 6, 1782. Surgeon, Alexander Smith, of Lancaster, July 21, 1781.

The names of the privates, of whom there were between fifty and sixty, were not preserved. Their duties were extremely hard, as they had to "range" up and down the valley from Fort Rice to the Great Island, and they were poorly paid, fed, and clothed; and with all their vigilance several lost their lives, notably Edward

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

Lee, sergeant, and Robert Carothers, private, while serving as spies near Fort Rice, October 24, 1782.

THE LAST OF FORT MUNCY.

On the departure of Captain Robinson from Fort Muncy, the fortification which had served such a good purpose was no longer kept in repair, and soon fell into decay; but its ruins existed for many years and were pointed to as a reminder of the dangerous times of 1778-82. When the Wallis plantation passed under the sheriff's hammer and strangers came to take possession of the old homestead, the crumbling earthworks for more than fifty years were regarded as a great curiosity. From year to year the elements did their work slowly but surely, until nothing remained but a great pile of stones to mark the site of the old fort. Finally, dur- ing the absence of Mr. Hall, (the owner,) his farmer, in order to make an improvement which he thought would greatly please his employer, removed the last vestige of the old military work. Mr. Hall was greatly displeased when he learned what had been done, as he wished the debris to be retained as a relic, or historic landmark. But for the vandalism of the farmer a few stones at least might have remained to the present day to show where Fort Muncy stood.

HUNTER AND VAN CAMPEN.

Col. Samuel Hunter, who bore such a conspicuous part in the "times that tried men's souls" in this valley, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1732. His military career commenced in 1760, and he served in various capacities in a subordinate position as an officer of volunteers, took part in Bouquet's expedition, was at Fort Augusta in 1763, and again in 1768. When Northumberland county was organized in 1772 he was appointed one of the first justices, and served in the Assembly from 1772 to 1775. He became a member of the Committee of Safety in 1775 and served one year, and of the Council of Censors in 1783. When the militia was organized in the beginning of the Revolution he was chosen colonel of the First Battalion, February 8, 1776; and county lieutenant, March 21, 1777, and reappointed April 6, 1780. He served in this responsible position, and directed the movements of the county militia, to the close of the war. His voluminous correspondence, written in a quaint style, and printed in the Colonial Records and State Archives is of great value to the historian, as it gives a true insight of that dark and gloomy time. He made some mistakes, and was accused of precipitating the "Big Runaway," by a hasty order, when it was believed that calamity might have been averted if he had acted with more dis- cretion and coolness.

Colonel Hunter married Susannah Scott, sister of Abraham Scott, formerly member from Lancaster. He died April 10, 1784, in the fifty-second year of his age. His remains rest under a large marble slab in a private burial ground, sur- rounded by a stone wall, near the site of Fort Augusta. He left two daughters, Mary and Nancy, minors. His will was dated March 29th, just twelve days before he died, and was proved the 21st of June following.

One of the most daring and adventuresome characters-next to Robert Coven- hoven-who figured in this valley at the close of the Indian war, was Moses Van

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Campen. He was an officer, as already noted. of Captain Robinson's company of rangers. He was a native of Hunterdon county, New Jersey, where he was born. January 21, 1757. His parents emigrated to Pennsylvania before the beginning of the Indian troubles and settled on Fishing creek, a tributary of the North Branch of the Susquhanna. In his early days young Van Campen became an expert woods- man and an unerring shot. He early entered the military service and was with Colonel Cooke's regiment at Boston. In 177S the Indians killed his father and brother. burned their house, took him and Peter Pence, and one or two others, prisoners. There were ten Indians and they started up the North Branch. One night while encamped near Wyalusing, Van Campen managed to cut the thongs that bound him, when he released Pence and they attacked the sleeping Indians. Van Campen killed five with a tomahawk. and became engaged in a hand-to-hand struggle with the sixth. The Indian disengaged himself and as he turned to flee Van Campen buried the hooked blade of the tomahawk in the muscles of his shoulder. With a bound that wrenched the weapon from Van Campen's hand, the Indian dashed into the gloom of the forest, bearing the tomahawk in his quivering flesh. and escaped! Pence killed four, so that out of the ten only one escaped. Of all the bloody encounters reported with Indians, this one stands alone for coolness, nerve, bravery, and number slain by two men!

Van Campen and Pence released the other prisoners, gathered up the guns and plunder of the savages, embarked on a raft, and floated down the river to Wyoming. and thence to Northumberland. Soon after this we find Van Campen serving in Captain Robinson's rangers as an officer. Pence, who also saw much service. settled in Nippenose valley and died there in 1S12.

In April, 1782, Andrew Culbertson applied to Captain Robinson for a guard of twenty men to accompany him to Bald Eagle creek, where his brother William had made an improvement and was afterwards killed by the Indians. He had been informed that his brother had buried some property, which he was desirous of searching for. Van Campen was selected to command the party. He picked twenty men in this way: Taking a board and placing a piece of white paper on the end of it, he stepped to one side a few rods and holding out the mark invited each man to take his station and fire at the mark. If he hit it he would be chosen. His twenty men were soon selected.

They started up the river about the middle of April. Culbertson and four men preceded in a boat and reached the Great Island in safety. Van Campen and his men soon joined them. They proceeded to where the improvement had been made and encamped for the night. Early next morning they were surprised by a large body of Indians. A desperate fight ensued, but being outnumbered Van Campen was compelled to surrender. Three of his men. Wallace, Stewart. and Craton. who had been wounded, were cruelly murdered before his eyes. Several had been killed in the battle. Van Campen and the survivors were taken prisoners. One of his men named Burwell, who had been shot through the arm, was, after much parleying, spared and taken along. Several Indians were killed and their comrades buried them under a log, which they displaced for that purpose. Another named Hender- son, also badly wounded, was afterwards killed while on the march. Culbertson and one or two others escaped in the beginning of the fight.

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

The Indians with their prisoners traveled up Pine creek and in due time reached Fort Niagara, where they turned them over to the British authorities. After they were placed in the fort the English discovered that Van Campen was the man who had killed five Indians on the North Branch and seriously wounded another. When the Indians learned this they were furious to get hold of him for torture. The English officers then made him a dishonorable proposition to save his life. They informed him that if he would renounce the rebel cause and join them his life should be spared. If he refused they would turn him over to the Indians for torture. His answer was characteristic of the man: "No sir, no-my life belongs to my country; give me the stake, the tomahawk, or the scalping knife, before I will dishonor the uniform of an American officer !"

Being a prisoner of war they dare not give him to the savages, for he told them that if they gave him up they might expect retaliation in case one of their officers fell into the hands of the Americans.

He was soon afterwards exchanged, returned home, and rejoined his company at Fort Muncy. He accompanied Captain Robinson to Wyoming, where they were mus- tered out of service in November, poor and penniless. In a few years after retiring from the service, Moses Van Campen married Margaret McClure, whose parents lived near the present town of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Some time in 1831 they took up their residence in Dansville, New York, where they lived for many years. When he grew old they removed to Angelica, where he died, October 15, 1849, at the great age of ninety-two years, eight months, and twenty-four days.

John Mohawk, the Indian who escaped from Van Campen with the tomahawk sticking in his shoulder, recovered from his wound and lived many years. He often expressed a desire to meet his former antagonist, and a meeting was finally arranged. They met at Dansville, clasped hands in friendship, and talked the matter over. The Indian showed him the great scar in his shoulder and told him how he carried off his tomahawk as a trophy. Long before the meeting John Mohawk presented the famous tomahawk to Horatio Gates Jones to be preserved as a keepsake. The weapon has ever since been retained in the family as an heirloom, and is now the pro- perty of the old interpreter's only surviving son-Charles Jones-the youngest but one of sixteen children, who lives at Genesee, New York.

REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.

From carelessness in preserving the records and muster rolls during the Revolu- tion, it has been found impossible to make up a full list of those who served in the Continental Army from this portion of the valley during the struggle for independ- ence. One reason for the confusion that existed is that Northumberland was a frontier county and was constantly subjected to Indian raids, and twice the inhabit- ants were driven away from its northern and western borders. The following list embraces the names of nearly all those who served in the Revolutionary army from the territory within the present limits of Lycoming county: David Bents, John Brady, Samuel Brady, Henry Lebo, James McClary, Robert Trift, Cornelius Dougherty, George Sands, John Scudder, David Davis, William Calhone, Thomas Callady, John Murphy, Thomas Pilson, Henry Thomas, William Jamison, William Atkins, Robert Ritchie, Robert Covenhoven, George Sutyman, James Carson,

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John White, David Clamains, Michael Parker, Robert Wilson, John Hamilton, Robert Lincey, Samuel Sealy, Alexander McCormick, Edward Cavennah, Robert Carothers, Patrick McWey, Patrick McManus, Dennis Higgins, John Toner, Robert King, John Bradley, Patrick McGinnis, James Randolph, Robert McGran, Peter Davis, Joseph Lackary, Michael Lachary, John Reddicks, Thomas Thompson, George Kline, Michael Drury, James McGinsey, John Martin, James Cummins, Robert Campble, Angis McFaton, John Dunn, Joseph McFaton, John McMeen, Thomas McMeen, James Ervine, Michael Sealey, William King, Daniel Callahan, John English, James English, John Nicholas Beeber, James Davidson, James Thompson, James McMicken, Richard Martin, Jacob Hill.

There were others, whose descendants live in the county to-day, who served in the local militia, and whose services were as ardnous, if not more so, than many who served in the Continental Army. The survivors of the Revolutionary struggle drew a pension of $40 a year from the State. The oldest pensioner was Robert King. He died March 29, 1848, aged ninety-four years, seven months, and twenty- nine days, and was buried in the old Lycoming graveyard on West Fourth street, Williamsport.

AN ELECTION CONTEST.

In 1783 the inhabitants of Muncy township again became involved in an election difficulty. At the election for members of Assembly, sheriff, and other officers, held October 14th and 15th, two returns were made, one signed by Elias Youngman, Anthony Geiger, and John Tschops, judges of the Augusta district, certifying to the election of Samuel Hunter, Jr., and William Gray, as members of the Supreme Executive Council; William Maclay, William Cooke, and John Weitzel, as mem- bers of Assembly; John Buyers, commissioner, and Henry Antes, sheriff. The other return, signed by James Murray, James Espy, and Simon Spaulding, of the Northumberland district, and Richard Manning, of the Muncy district, certified to the election of William Montgomery and Samuel Hunter as Censors; Robert Martin as Councillor; James McClenachan, Daniel Montgomery, and Frederick Antes as members of Assembly; Henry Antes as sheriff, and John Clark as com- missioner.

The former judges arrived at their result by throwing out the Northumberland boxes. They did this because it was alleged intruders from' Wyoming were allowed to vote at Northumberland, and residents on the Indian land, above Lycoming creek, were allowed to vote at Muncy. On the 25th of November the House of Represent- atives arrived at a different result, by rejecting the Muncy box alone, thus admitting William Maclay, William Cooke, and James McClenachan as members; Samuel Hunter and William Montgomery became members of the Council of Censors by counting all the votes, John Boyd, Councillor, and John Clarke, county com- missioner.

Linn, in his Annals of Buffalo Valley, (page 216,) shows that in the investigation that followed, Thomas Hamilton deposed that at the Muncy election Richard Man- ning, who lived on Long Island, (supposed to be Indian land,) acted as judge, and David Mckinney, who lived opposite the Great Island, on Indian land, acted as inspector; that John Price, John Hamilton, Bratton Caldwell, William Tharpe, and

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

others, who resided on Indian lands, had voted at the Muncy district election held at the residence of Amariah Sutton, on the east side of Lycoming creek. The Muncy district was composed of Bald Eagle and Muncy townships. The reader will remember that residents west of Lycoming, on the north side of the river, were not recognized as living within the Commonwealth, as the land was still claimed by the Indians. Robert Fleming was the only one from Bald Eagle who voted.

Richard Manning testified that he acted as judge, and lived on Long Island ; that Daugherty, who acted as inspector of the election, lived fifteen miles from the district, in Turbutt township, which was in the Northumberland district; that the Indian land men voted generally in favor of Montgomery, Antes, and McClenachan for Assembly, etc.

William Sims's testimony, with that of others, in regard to the Northumberland box, was that he had been up at Wyoming, and saw William Bonham there, in com- pany with Col. Zebulon Butler, and Bonham admitted to him that it was his bus- iness there to get the Wyoming people to go down to Northumberland and vote; that Bonham was exceedingly busy in inviting and persuading the New England people to go down and vote; that Colonel Butler told Captain Gaskins that there would be over 100 down; that many of them were in Northumberland and had voted, and Bonham kept an open house for them; heard Bonham tell Schott to go up to his house and get his dinner; and further said the election had cost him $20. Captain Spaulding, one of the New England men, acted as judge, and Lord Butler, son of Colonel Zebulon, acted as clerk. There were other depositions to the same effect. A petition to the Assembly remonstrating against receiving the returns from Muncy and Northumberland was numerously signed by the inhabitants of the southwestern part of the county.

It appears that fraudulent voting was in vogue among the pioneer settlers in this valley as early as 1783, and earlier, and that their politicians knew how to "im- port " voters to carry on an election.

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THE FAIR PLAY SYSTEM.

CHAPTER XII.

THE FAIR PLAY SYSTEM.

WHY IT WAS ORIGINATED AND HOW IT WAS CONDUCTED-NEW TOWNSHIPS ERECTED-EF- FORTS OF THE LAND GRABBERS-WALLIS SURVEYS ABOVE LYCOMING CREEK-SETTLERS PETITION THE ASSEMBLY-LAW PASSED FOR THEIR PROTECTION-LITIGATION ARISES- HOW THE FAIR PLAY COURT DID BUSINESS-INTERESTING DEPOSITIONS-CASE OF TONER AND. SWEENY-PASSAGE OF LAND LAWS-SURVEY OF THE RIVER-THE WALKER TRAGEDY-EXCITING TIME WITH THE SENECA INDIANS.

T' THE last treaty with the Indians for the acquisition of lands east of the Alle. gheny mountains was held at Fort Stanwix, October 23, 1784. At this con- ference the Indians admitted that the true line of the treaty of 1768 was Tiadagh- ton creek (Pine) and not Lycoming, as they had previously claimed. By this ad- mission a dispute regarding boundary, which had existed for sixteen years, was settled.

In the meantime many adventuresome persons settled on the disputed "Indian lands," and as they were beyond the limits of the law they were forced to rely upon themselves for protection. They were, to use a modern phrase, "squatters," and could appeal to no courts for redress. As the lands along the north side of the river from Lycoming creek westward were generally choice the "squatters " staked out claims and resolved to hold them if possible. Long and annoying litigations followed, and the disputes which arose were not finally settled without legislative action.

As the "squatters" increased in numbers they found that they must have some form of law to protect themselves, with power vested in some person or persons to enforce it. The vicious must be restrained, else the community would become a lawless aggregation, in which the weak would be oppressed by the strong and every semblance of a well regulated society destroyed. It was the realization of this fact by the leading men among the dwellers on the Indian lands, which originated what was known as the "Fair Play System." Three commissioners, therefore, were chosen by ballot each year in the month of March, whose duty it was to see that each settler had "fair play," and to punish those who violated the local laws. From the decisions of these commissioners there was no appeal. It has long been a source of regret that their records, if they kept any, were lost, for tradition informs us that the "Fair Play Men" were often called on to settle disputes and impose punishments. The period during which this code had full sway was from the year 1773 to the 1st day of May, 1785, when the Land Office was opened for applications within the purchase of October 23, 1784; and the Fair Play territory was embraced within the present townships of Old Lycoming, Woodward, Piatt, Porter, and a por- tion of Watson, Lycoming county. It is known that the commissioners for 1776

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were Bratton Caldwell, John Walker, and James Brandon. The latter probably lived not far from Lycoming creek; Caldwell lived on Pine run, and Walker's residence was near Pine creek. The names of no other commissioners are now known. It is inferred, however, that on account of the representative character of these men-especially Caldwell-that they held office for some time, if not duing the entire period of the oc- cupation of the Indian lands. It is supposed, furthermore, that they were the lead- ers in the 4th of July demonstration in favor of independence, held at Pine creek in 1776. And it is believed that they were in office as governors of the territory at the close of the Revolution, and continued as such up to the time of the transfer of the lands to the State by the terms of the treaty.

As the Fair Play system was organized for the mutual benefit of all living within its jurisdiction, it has been truly said that it is a matter worthy of record that the commissioners exercised their functions of lawmakers and arbitrators with such wis- dom that the "justice of their decrees has never been questioned." It does not ap- pear that the Fair Play men had any fixed time or place of meeting to hear com- plaints, but were governed by the exigencies which might arise. The court could be convened at any time or place within the territory over which it exercised juris- diction, and on short notice, to try any cause that might come before it. It is said that when a " squatter," or any other person, refused to abide by the decrees of the court he was placed in a canoe and pushed to the mouth of Lycoming creek, the boundary line of their province, and sent adrift down the river with orders not to return.

When it was agreed to hold a treaty at Fort Stanwix with the Indians, after the declaration of peace, the commissioners of Pennsylvania were instructed to inquire which creek-Lycoming or Pine-was the real Tiadaghton, and boundary line of 1768. But as late as December 21, 1784, before the result of the proposed inquiry could be known, the Assembly (See Dallas's Laws, Vol. II, page 233) declared " Lycom- ing creek to be the boundary of the purchase, to all legal intents and purposes, until the General Assembly shall otherwise regulate and declare the same." The Indians confirmed this declaration by replying that by Tiadaghton they meant Pine creek, but the purchase then consummated, (October 23, 1784,) made their answer of no consequence, divesting, as it did, the Indian title to all lands in Pennsylvania west of Pine creek, and therefore reudering it unnecessary for the Assembly to legislate 'further about the line, and ending forever "squatter sovereignty" within the limits of this Commonwealth, after it had existed for nearly sixteen years.

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History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 23

Author: edited by John F. Meginness Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk Number of Pages: 1650

Author: edited by John F. Meginness
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1650