History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 44

Author:
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1288

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and Mercer Counties, what is now known as Lawrence County. The agitation of the question of forming a new county began as early as 1820, and was continued with great persistence through the intervening years, and by all legitimate agencies, until it was finally consummated. The reasons urged by the advocates of the new county were as follows: 1. New Castle was a thriving place and favorably located to accommodate those living in its vicin- ity, either north or south. 2. The dividing line between Beaver and Mer- cer ran through the corporation. Legal process served in one county was easily thwarted by stepping into the adjoining county. 3. Many citizens were compelled to travel long distances to transact county business at either Mercer or Beaver. The new county project was supported by such men as L. L. McGuffin, William Dickson, William Moore, John L. Warnock, Joseph T. Boyd, James Dickson, Isaac Dickson, Thomas Falls, Joseph Kissick, John N. Ewer, Dr. Charles T. Whippoo, James Cubbison, and others. The bill for the division was introduced in March, 1849, and signed by Gov. William F. Johnston on the 5th of April following.

Mercer County's Phrenology .- An examination of the outline map of the county, published some years ago, reveals a peculiar phrenological configura- tion, as developed by the Shenango River. It is that of a human head, look- ing steadily and intently into Ohio. Commencing at the Big Bend, the river flows first westward, and then, returning upon itself, moves southward and eastward, until it passes, in succession, Clarksville, Sharpsville, Sharon, Wheat- land and West Middlesex, going on to contribute its waters with those of the Neshannock and Mahoning to the Big Beaver and the Ohio. If we conceive the outline to be completed, Mercer would be found on the rear of the head, and Hickory Corners, or Hermitage, would be located at the ear. Under this arrangement Mercer would be found at philoprogenitiveness, Big Bend at firmness, Clarksville at veneration, Sharpsville at benevolence, Sharon being found above and between the eyes would be found at memory, Wheatland at the mouth, and West Middlesex at the Adam's apple. As to Greenville, Sheak- leyville, New Lebanon, Sandy Lake, Stoneboro and Grove City, they would all appear as ornaments on the hat or high bonnet which surmounted this head. They need not regret their position, for the great question now is, whether the hat belongs to the head, or the head to the hat.

Distinguished Visitors .- Mercer County has had some distinguished visit- ors. It is thought that Washington, in executing his mission from Gov. Din- widdie in 1753 to the French forts, passed through the northeastern corner of the county. Gen. Lafayette, in his second trip to the United States, in 1824, passed through Mercer, and occupied a room over night at the Hackney House. The year 1849 was noted for the appearance of two distinguished officials in Mercer County. The one was Zachary Taylor, President of the United States. He remained all night at the Hackney House. He was accompanied by Gov. Johnston, of Pennsylvania. From Mercer they went to Meadville and Erie, stopping for dinner at Sheakleyville, where he made a brief speech in response to an address of welcome by George Sheakley.

While at dinner his attention was drawn to the booming of a cannon, and on inquiring as to whom was paying him the honor, learned that it was not his Whig admirers, but Mrs. William Dunn, wife of the Democratic landlord of the opposition hotel, familiary known as "Queen Ann." Gen. Taylor at once expressed a wish to call upon her. On reaching Dunn's hotel, called the "Spirit of '76," he asked for the hostess, and taking her hand thanked her for the patriotic courtesy shown the President. "Queen Ann," with true Democratic courage, at once said: "That salute was not given in honor of the President,

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sir." "Then for whom was it given, madam?" asked the now astonished dignitary. "It was given in honor of the bravest General of the Mexican War," replied "Queen Ann." President Taylor bowed gallantly and laughed heartily at the characteristic Democratic reply, and again warmly thanking. her for the honor paid him, and the patriotism exhibited, bid her good-bye and soon after left the village.

The second person was James Buchanan, subsequently President of the United States. He remained over night in Mercer, whither he had come from Meadville, where he had been visiting his sister, Mrs. Dr. C. M. Yates, seri- ously ill at the time.

Men of Mark .- Mercer County has never furnished any Presidents. She has, however, supplied other positions with men and women of note, who have acted well their parts in their several spheres, and gained distinction. Two of her adopted sons subsequently held gubernatorial honors, John Bigler, in California, and William Bigler, in Pennsylvania, both being elected at the same time, in 1851.

In the ranks of divines it has turned out Rt. Rev. Thomas S. Becker, Catholic Bishop of Savannah, Ga .; George and D. X. Junkin; J. T. Smith, now of Baltimore; William Findley, lately deceased at New Castle, D. H. A. McLean, of Rochester, Penn., and many others of less brilliant attainments.

In the ranks of journalism it produced William S. Garvin, Adam Black Chambers, William F. Clark and John B. Butler, all of State reputation.

In the line of Congressional representatives it has marshalled Hons. John Banks, William Stewart, William S. Garvin, Michael C. Trout, John J. Pear- son, Samuel Griffith, James Sheakley, S. H. Miller and Norman Hall.

In the ranks of brilliant attorneys it has had S. B. Foster, T. S. Cunning- ham, William M. Stephenson, William Stewart, Henry D. Foster, H. H. Foster, John Banks, John J. Pearson, Arcus McDermitt, John Trunkey, and others, all deceased.

For the bench it has furnished John Banks, John J. Pearson, John Trunkey, William Maxwell, Arcus McDermitt and S. S. Mehard, all of wide reputa- tion.

James Bowman achieved a popularity both in America and Europe as a. portrait painter.

In other fields of noble activity, her sons and daughters have not been want- ing when weighed in the balance.

First Piano in Mercer County .- The first piano that was brought to this county is still in the possession of the family of Dr. James Magoffin, of Mer- cer, and is highly prized for the hallowed memories with which it is associated. It was brought from Dublin, Ireland, by Mrs. Magoffin, then Miss Grace E. Mitcheltree, who came to this country with the family of her father, Dr. William Mitcheltree, in the year 1825. It is of English manufacture, Astor & Co., London. Although smaller than the pianos of the present day, it is of exquisite workmanship. The frame work is of mahogany and satinwood. It was a great curiosity at that time, and many were the visitors to see and hear it.

Muster Days .- Every citizen above middle age remembers vividly the "muster days" of the olden times, when companies would collect at stated places once or twice a year, to go through the prescribed routine of training. The uniforms were as various as the individuals, and the arms presented the same mixed condition, consisting of muskets, wooden guns, broomsticks, corn- stalks, canes, etc., ad infinitum. The occasions were made memorable by the number of fights had, the amount of whisky consumed and the " general good

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

time enjoyed.". Old grudges were settled on the field of martial combat, and the various champions of the region round about had a fair opportunity to display their powers.

Rev. D. X. Junkin relates substantially the following: About 1821 there were several uniformed companies in the county, the "Mercer Light Infantry," Capt. Benjamin Junkin; the "Shenango Marksmen," Capt. William Sheriff; the "Wolf Creek Rangers," Capt. David Robinson; the "Salem Rangers," Capt. Samuel Williamson; a company from the vicinity of Harrisville (name unknown), and one from New Castle, Capt. Samuel Byers. These were organ- ized into the One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Militia. Capt. Samuel Williamson was elected colonel, Benjamin Junkin, lieutenant- colonel; M. O. Junkin, major, and Capt. Samuel Byers, adjutant. These com- panies were arranged so as to distribute the honors of position. The " Mercer Blues," or "Light Infantry," was the oldest company, and always occupied the head of the regiment.

Capt. Job Egbert, of Sandy Lake, was a soldier in the War of 1812, prob- ably a member of the "Blues." He was at Erie, and in after years sported a swallow-tailed coat of blue, trimmed up with buff. The coat grew rusty with years, but on State occasions (reviews) he sported it. He had outgrown it, and it, when buttoned, had split over his hips. On one occasion (a review) Pitt Street, Mercer, near Hackney's Hotel, was crowded with the formidable array of militia companies marching to and fro, with shrieking fifes and rattling drums. Capt. Egbert, who commanded the Seventh Company, was marching down the street at its head, followed on foot by all the chivalry of Sandy Lake, armed with sticks and brooms, with here and there a rifle or shot-gun. The redoubtable captain had for his drummer a Guinea negro, named Adam; but in default of a fifer, Adam had puckered his voluminous lips, and was whis- tling the "White Cockade," and using his drum sticks with zealous skill- performing the double functions of fifer and drummer. Another company was marching up street, and the head of the columns, as they passed through the narrow avenues formed by the spectators, met and could not pass. " Left face," said Capt. Egbert. "Right face," said the chieftain of the other band. This order brought the head of each line in the same direction. "Right

" Left face," said the other, causing a movement to face," said Capt. Job.

the other side of both. By this time the military patience, even of Capt. Job, was exhausted, but not his military resources. Knowing that the men of his command were more familiar with the terms used in driving oxen than with military phrases, he cried out, with presence of mind worthy of so trying a crisis, waving his sword in the style of an ox-wattle, "COME, WHOA HERE," and they "whoad." With vociferous laughter they followed their intrepid leader and sallow whistling drummer down into the public square.

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

CHAPTER XVIII.

BOROUGH OF MERCER-THE TOWN LAID OUT-DERIVATION OF NAME-SKETCH OF DR. HUGHI MERCER-STREETS AND ALLEYS-PUBLIC SQUARE-INCIDENTS TIIAT OCCURRED IN LAYING OUT THIE TOWN-SALE OF LOTS-SIZE, SHAPE AND LOCATION-FIRST HOUSE ERECTED-HOTELS OF THE PAST AND PRES- ENT-EARLY SETTLERS AND BUSINESS INTERESTS-MANUFACTURES-IN- CORPORATION AND BOROUGHI OFFICERS-FIRE DEPARTMENT-CHURCIIES- SCHOOLS-PIONEER SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS-MERCER ACADEMY-PUBLIC SCHOOLS-SOLDIER ORPIIAN SCHOOL-SECRET AND OTHER SOCIETIES-BANK- ING INSTITUTIONS-GAS AND WATER COMPANIES-CEMETERIES-POPULA- TION.

M ERCER, the seat of government of the county, was laid out in August, 1803, by William McMillan, John Findley and William Mortimer, trustees appointed for that purpose, on a tract of 200 acres, donated by John Hoge, who was the owner of two warrant tracts of 400 acres each. The site for the county-town was selected by five commissioners, viz. : Isaac Weaver, Thomas Morton, John Hamilton, Pressly Carr Lane and James Brady. The deed executed by him to the trustees was dated May, 1804, and stipulated that 200 acres should be used for the purpose of a county seat.

The act of March 12, 1800, creating the county of Mercer, gave to it the name of a distinguished physician and officer of the Revolution. Both the town and county were named in honor of Dr. Hugh Mercer, concerning whom not as much is generally known as should be relative to a distinguished name- sake. Hugh Mercer was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1721. After being liberally educated he began the study of medicine. In the memorable battle of Culloden, between the forces of Charles Edward and the Duke of Cum- berland, Dr. Mercer served as assistant surgeon. The Scotch army being defeated, and the Pretender compelled to flee, Dr. Mercer left his native country a refugee, and came to America. He located near Greencastle, Frank- lin Co., Penn., about the year 1750, and was the first practicing physician of the county. His location was a wild one, and not destined to prove a very lucrative field for medical practice by a stranger. The region was sparsely settled by whites, and open to constant incursions from the wily and treacher- ous red man of the forest. He remained, however, without injury or fear until the Indians, emboldened by Braddock's defeat, in 1755, made frequent and bloody forays into the Kittatinny or Cumberland valley. To protect them- selves against these incursions, the settlers formed themselves into military companies, of one of which Dr. Mercer was made captain. His commission was dated March 6, 1756. His company, a part of the troops under command of Col. John Armstrong, did valiant service in the region of Mercersburg, . Welsh Run and Fort McDowell, all within the limits of Franklin County. Finally, in the autumn of 1756, he and his company went with Col. Armstrong in the expedition against Kittanning, which Indian village they surprised and destroyed.

On this occasion he marched from Fort Shirley, in Huntingdon County, at which post he discharged the duties of surgeon to the garrison as well as those pertaining to his military station. At Kittanning he was severely wounded in the shoulder by a rifle bullet, and was carried from the field to a place of supposed safety. Being separated from his companions, he was sud-

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denly surrounded by the savages. He saved himself from capture by crawling into a fallen and hollow tree. During the continuance of the fight, the Indians stood upon the tree in which he was concealed, not suspecting his presence. After the rout of the savages Mercer crept from his place of con- cealment, but found that his friends had also Jeft the field. His situation was full of embarrassment and danger. Faint from the loss of blood, and suffer- ing from a severe wound, he was alone in the wilderness, surrounded by blood- thirsty savages, more than a hundred miles from any settlement, and without the means of procuring subsistence. Under these trying circumstances, his intelligent courage did not forsake him. He determined to reach Fort Cum- berland, which then stood on the present site of Cumberland, Md., a station on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. During his painful and tedious journey thither he lived on roots, berries and the body of a rattlesnake, which, with difficulty, in consequence of his wound, he succeeded in killing. After encoun- tering many hardships and enduring almost inexpressible fatigue, he reached the fort, but not too soon, for his powers of endurance were about exhausted. He slowly recovered, and in the following year, 1757, was made commander of the garrison in the fort at Shippensburg, then considered a frontier post.

On the 4th of December, 1757, he was commissioned a major in the "forces of the Province of Pennsylvania," and "was posted west of the Sus- quehanna." He accompanied the expedition of Gen. John Forbes, the fol- lowing year, against Fort Du Quesne. During this trip he first met Wash- ington, then a brigadier-general of Virginia troops, and laid the foundation for the intimate and enduring friendship which existed between these noted

men. After the evacuation and burning of Fort Du Quesne by the French and Indians, Mercer, with the increased rank of colonel, was left in command of the post. Under his direction the garrison of 409 men, embracing 200 of Washington's Virginia troops, partially rebuilt the works. At the close of the French and Indian war, and the consequent evacuation of the western forts by the French, Mercer temporarily retired from military life, and at the urgent solicitation of Washington transferred his residence from the wilds of the Cumberland valley to Fredericksburg, Va., where he resumed the practice of medicine.

When the Revolutionary War broke out he was commissioned as colonel in a Virginia regiment. Shortly after he was, on the recommendation of Wash- ington, given the rank and position of brigadier-general. He accompanied his chief during the retreat through New Jersey, and "rendered him valuable aid at the battle of Trenton," when the Hessians were captured, December 26, 1776. At the battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777, he led the vanguard of the American army, and while exhibiting skill in the handling of his forces, his horse was shot under him, and he was compelled to continue the contest on foot. He was speedily surrounded by British soldiers, who ordered him to surrender. Disregarding the summons, he drew his sword and began an unequal contest with overpowering foes. He was finally beaten to the ground with muskets and brutally thrust through with bayonets. Having received seven wounds, five in his body and two in his head, he was left on the field supposed to be dead. He was carried to a neighboring house by a son of Col. John Arm strong, his old friend and neighbor. When Washington heard of the fate of his old friend and compatriot, he sent his nephew, Major Lewis, to watch over his final moments and minister to the wants of the dying hero. A few days having elapsed the spirit of Hugh Mercer took its flight to the eternal world. Thus died a brave and patriotic man, he after whom both the county and the town were named. The sixty thousand people now living within the limits of the county,

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and enjoying the liberty which he made such heroic sacrifices to secure, should hold his name in grateful and loving remembrance. Would it be too much for them to erect, within the limits of the court-house square, in Mercer, a granite shaft to attest their devotion and gratitude to their patriotic bene- factor ?

The streets of Mercer running north and south, commencing on the east, were called Otter, Pittsburgh (usually called now Pitt), Erie and Shenango. The alleys in the same direction, East, Cherry, Strawberry, Turkey, Sassa- fras and West. The streets running east and west, commencing at the north, were Venango, Market, Butler and Powers. The alleys in the same direc tion, North, Quince, Gooseberry, Currant, Peach, Pear, Plum and South. Market, Butler, Pittsburgh and Erie were laid out ninety feet wide, while Shenango, Otter, Venango and Beaver were only seventy.

The public square, to be used for court house, was laid out 460 feet long and 330 feet wide. Lots numbered 249 and 250 were reserved for the jail. They were subsequently used as the site of the Mercer Academy.

While the survey was in progress a turkey's nest, with the eggs yet un- hatched, was found by Abraham Pew as an alley was being run. Whereupon the surveyor, Mr. Findley, said: "We'll call this Turkey Alley," hence the name now in use. The first stake driven in the survey was held by the late Samuel Pew, then but a mere lad. While this stake was being driven by Mr. Findley, he said to the boy: "Now, Sam, you hold up the stake, and if you live to be an old man, you can tell that you did so, and that I drove it down on this corner." This stake was driven down at the northeast corner of the public square, where the Whistler House stands. The square was first sur- veyed, and then the streets. The site of the new town was mainly a hazel prairie, with a few low trees scattered through it.

On the 5th of December, 1803, lots were sold at the house of James Brad- en (formerly occupied by John Pew, near the residence of Mrs. Theodore Mc- Donald), on the following conditions, substantially: 1. The highest bidder to be the buyer. 2. No bid for less sum than 25 cents to be entertained. 3. Bids of persons under twenty-one years of age not to be received. 4. One- third of purchase money to be paid in advance; the other two-thirds to be paid within nine and eighteen months, respectively. 5. Failure to pay sub- sequent claims to forfeit money already paid. 6. Failure to meet first payment to result in the forfeiture of ten per cent of the sale value. 7. Deed to be given at the time of last payment. The primitive town plat of Mercer was near- ly in the form of a square, and embraced the 200 acres donated by Mr. Hoge. In 1873 the borough limits were extended to include about 700 acres, assum- ing a rectangular form, averaging some 441 rods in length by 252 rods in width. The high hill on which the town was laid out was a desirable place for the weary settlers to locate. From it they could look off in all directions and see the vast scope of country which lay open to improvement by the sturdy pio- neers coming in from the old counties. It, too, was infested with wild game in rich abundance, which the skillful aim of the Pews and the other pioneers succeeded in converting into palatable food. Deer and turkeys and bears and squirrels could be shot within a few hundred yards of the present site of the court-house.

The first house built in Mercer stood on the northwest corner of East Mar- ket and Otter Streets. It was erected by David Watson, and was a log struc- ture, the timbers being hewed on four sides. Nathan Patterson, subsequent- ly sheriff of the county, owned and occupied it for tavern purposes. No vestige of it remains to tell its interesting story. On its site now stands a small one-story frame structure, the property of Miss Belle Black.

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HOTELS OF THE PAST AND PRESENT.

Near the spring now. known as the Griffith Spring, north of the res- idence of Hon. Samuel Griffith, stood as early as 1798 a tavern known as the "Blue Ball." Its significant sign invited to the hospitable en- tertainment afforded by its proprietor, John Garvin, father of the Hon. William S. Garvin, many a weary traveler between Pittsburgh and Erie, between which places it was a well-kept half-way house. The second tavern erected in town stood back of the present Whistler House, and was known as the "Dobbins House." On the site of the present Magoffin Block, southeast corner of the public square, was erected the first brick house in the town. The structure was put up by Ebenezer Magoffin, the uncle of Drs. James and Beriah Magoffin, and was used, for a long time, as a dwelling, and for store and other public purposes. After the death of Mr. Magoffin it was converted into a hotel, the American House, and used for such purpose by Joseph Wood, Hugh Evans, Noah Shipler and possibly others. In process of time it was again used as a bakery and grocery, and so continued until the present block was erected.

On the site of the present John Magoffin residence, on South Pitt Street, stood in primitive days the Thompson House, Samuel Thompson being pro- prietor. In it were kept grocery and, probably, some dry goods stores. From its proprietor Samuel B. Foster, Esq., obtained the tallow candle by the aid of which he intended to read the President's message in 1831. It was kept likewise by Joseph Wood, Charles Bush, Hugh Evans, and when finally sold became the property of Dr. James Magoffin. A house was kept, at one time, on the southwest corner of the Diamond, by Peter Shipler, father of the pres- ent Peter Shipler, cabinet-maker.

At a very early day Hugh and Thomas Bingham built on the northwest corner of the diamond, on the site of the present Miller & Gordon block, a frame structure which was used for store-room and dwelling purposes. It stood next to the old log jail, the upper story of which was used for a court room. It is said that Judge Moore was holding court at the time the Bing- hams were roofing their structure. The pounding and other noise disturbed the court, whereupon Judge Moore ordered the tip-staff to go down and have the confusion stopped. The message was delivered, but to no avail. The judge, angered by the supposed slight of his judicial authority, then ordered the officer to arrest the daring workmen. When they saw the officer come to serve the summons, they quietly drew up the ladder by which he was to, ascend, and thus a second time defeated the irate judge's purposes. This building was first kept as a hotel by Thomas Rogers, grandfather of the pres- ent John W. Nickum, of Mercer, by whom the structure was changed from a business room to a hotel. Subsequently it was conducted by Mr. Patterson, from New York; Charles Whistler, father of Capt. C. W. Whistler, James Stewart, Charles William Stewart, Noah Shipler, Hugh Evans and C. W. Whistler. It was a popular house in its day. It was finally supplanted by the old Opera House block, which the devouring flames swept away a year or two ago.

The Whistler House was erected in 1817, by Aaron Hackney, by whom it was run for many years, and subsequently by his widow; William Turner, of Sandy Lake, being her bartender. It was then and long afterward known as the Hackney House. In it Gen. Lafayette remained over night, when travel- ing through the United States in 1824. Additions have been made to it at various times, until it has attained its present dimensions, the main part be- ing a three-story brick structure. James Stewart, Martin Reed, Thomas

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History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 44

Author: Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk Number of Pages: 1288

Author:
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1288