History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 68

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

USA > Pennsylvania > Mercer County > History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present > Part 68

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

Probably the second settler of the township was Joseph Alexander, who

525

HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

came from Allegheny County in 1800, and settled upon land afterward owned by his son Samuel. Coulson and Alexander were then the only residents of the region. Alexander was known by the name of " Packer Joe," on account of his having, for many years previous to his location in Mercer County, been engaged in packing goods over the mountains to Pittsburgh. The journey from Allegheny County to his new home in the Northwest was accomplished on horseback, and was tedious and painful beyond description. Four years after Alexander's entrance the population was increased by the arrival of Jos- eph Campbell and family, who settled upon land afterward occupied by Joseph Campbell, Jr. For a long period of years after this the township was sparsely settled. There were other families that followed Alexander and Campbell, but their names have not been ascertained. It is known, though, that in 1812 there were probably as many as twenty households in the region now designated as Fairview Township.

Early Mills .- The first mill of any sort in the township was a saw-mill erected in 1820, on the banks of Cool Spring Creek, by Fergus Smith. It was a meager affair, and its outfit consisted of a single upright saw. But, nevertheless, it played an important part in the development of the township. Ten years later the second mill, also a saw-mill, was built by Silas Coulson, on land subsequently owned by William Craig. In 1835 a grist-mill was erected by Marmaduke Rambo. It was located on the William Stubbs farm. The little stream known as Morrison's Run furnished the motor-power, and coarse granite blocks served as mill-stones. In 1838 the fine grist-mill now standing near Fredonia was erected by Levi Arnold. In 1845 George Slater built a saw-mill on the land afterward owned by Isaac Slater. Other mills followed in due time, notably McDowell's saw-mill, built in 1854, on the banks of Otter Creek, by George McDowell; Clark's steam mill, built in the fall of 1869, by Thomas and Joseph Clark, and the Mosteller steam mill, erected nearly the same time. There have been other minor mills, and also temporary structures, but these will not be noticed.

Taverns .- Places of public entertainment are always places of interest. The old inns, which in the early times served as modest forerunners of the pre- tentious hotels of the present day, were ever the object of veneration and awe to the rural inhabitant. The first one opened in Fairview was that of Thomas Coulson, of which mention has been made. The second, dating from the year 1825, was a licensed house, opened by the Pittsburgh and Erie Stage Company for the accommodation of their hands and patrons. The third was started one year later, in the northern part of the township, by Silas Coulson. In 1851 William Gamble erected a log house on the line of the turnpike, which he con- verted into an inn, and as such conducted it for several years. In 1855 he

built the frame house afterward known as the Byers Hotel.

In 1852 George Cubbison commenced the erection of a large tavern in the village of Fairview, which he intended to run in connection with the general store of which he was proprietor. He tried the plan for a time, but becoming dissatisfied he sold it to R. C. Clark, by whom it was converted into other uses.

Churches .- After the extended sketch of Mr. Tait has been read and also what is said in Chapter XII, little additional needs to be given concerning Cool Spring Presbyterian Church. It was organized by him in 1800, and embraced a large part of the people living in its region. He became the first pastor in November of the year referred to, doing similar labor for the Salem Church. This relationship continued until 1813, when the people of Cool Spring decided to worship at Mercer, virtually disorganizing the congregation. In 1827 re- organization occurred, and on the 24th of June, 1829, Rev. Ira Condit was

526

HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

secured to devote one-third of his time to Cool Spring. This he did until his death, October 24, 1836.

He was succeeded for a short time by Rev. David Waggoner, Rev. James G. Wilson became the next pastor, his installation occurring in 1842. He divided his time equally with Salem, continuing in this capacity until 1850. In 1852 Rev. John W. McCune became the settled pastor, and remained many years. The congregation is in possession of its third edifice, and is still labor- ing manfully for the faith it has so long professed.

The Fairview Baptist Church was organized in September, 1850, with eight members, viz. : Henry and Jane Fulton, J. and C. McCartney, Mahitabel Don- aldson, E. Carpenter, E. Furman and A. Lewis. Henry Fulton was selected as the first deacon and clerk. Elder W. W. DeVan was secured as first pas- tor, serving until 1854. He was suceeded by Elders Stedman, Clouse, Parker, King, Ward, Thomas, Davis and others. The house of worship, 30x40, was erected in 1851.

Oak Grove Wesleyan Methodist Church, in Fairview Township, was organ- ized July 30, 1862. Their house of worship, known as Oak Grove Chapel, was built the same year, and stands on land purchased of William Bland. This congregation sprang from the Methodist Episcopal Church, the separation occurring on account of radical differences on the slavery question.

FINDLEY TOWNSHIP.

This township was formed August 17, 1849, by a division of the old township of Springfield, the northern portion of which constituted the new organization. The name Findley was given it in honor of Judge John Findley, who had been one of its early settlers and a man of great prom- inence. Fuller account of him will be found elsewhere. The soil of Find- ley Township is extremely rich and fertile. There are successfully grown in it many kinds of fruit, such as apples, pears, peaches, etc., and the staple cereals, such as wheat, corn and oats. The surface is well broken, and in the hills are found rich deposits of coal and minerals. The grazing lands found in the valleys are not surpassed anywhere in the county. In short, both agri- culturally and in point of mining resources, the township stands fully abreast of its competitors. Its drainage, likewise, is superior. The two principal streams within its borders are Otter and Mill Creeks, both of which enter from the north, and, uniting near Mercer, form the Big Neshannock, which pursues a southerly course through the western extremity of the township, leaving it a short distance from Hope Mills. In addition to these are two smaller streams, one of which, a tributary to Mill Creek, finds its source in the eastern portion of Findley, and flows in a western direction to its junction with the larger water course; and the other, a tributary to the Big Neshannock, heads in the southeastern portion of the township, and flows in a southwesterly course to where it discharges its waters into the Neshannock near Nelson Station. There are also several minor rivulets, that drain the portion lying west of the Neshan - nock. These streams, all of which have considerable velocity, owing to the hilly country through which they flow, furnish abundant water-power for saw and grist-mills, which is utilized in a manner that reflects credit upon the enterprise of the inhabitants.

Pioneers .- Among the first settlers of the northern portion of the town- ship, mention will first be made of Christian Troxel, who entered upon pos- session of land, afterward owned by W. N. Pardoe and Robert McKee, about the year 1799, as nearly as can be now ascertained. He selected the tract upon which he located on account of the superior quality of timber which it

527

HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

contained, and also because of its nearness to the excellent drainage of Mill Creek.

In 1800 Henry Hosack entered the township, having removed from near Gettysburg, Penn. He brought with him his entire family, consisting of four- teen members, and located on the farm subsequently owned by Samuel Hosack. The Hosacks became a very influential family. One of Henry's sons, Thomas, became especially noted. His name is found on nearly all of the early court records, where evidence exists to show that he was one of the leading spirits of his day.

In the region lying near Mercer borough, undoubtedly the first settler was John Findley, whose residence in the township began in 1799, at which time he removed from his old home in Westmoreland County to his new one in Mercer County. The old family dwelling, which is yet standing on the home- stead, was built by him in the same year. In 1800 he brought to it his wife, a daughter of Joseph Junkin. From this time on his career in the county was one of special prominence.

Through the influence of Mr. Findley, Joseph Junkin, his father-in-law, was persuaded to try his fortunes in the new settlement. This he did in 1803, at which time he purchased lands, among them being what was afterward termed the Hope farm, on which he placed his family. In 1805 his two old- est sons, John and Joseph, arrived in the county and built a cabin near by. In a short time they had completed the construction of a dam, above which they erected a saw and grist-mill, and later a fulling and carding mill. It is said that the grist-mill contained the first pair of French burr-stones used in the county, which did such excellent work that the establishment speedily acquired an extensive notoriety. A more extended account of the Junkins will be found in the Garvin sketch of that family.

In 1804 Edwin Hughes arrived in the vicinity of Mercer, and located on a tract of land situated one mile east of the borough. But little is known con- cerning him. About the same time, or perhaps earlier, James Jeffers, a hunter of long experience, entered the region. There are a number of incidents related concerning his hostility to the Indian race, which had been aroused on account of the cruelty with which some of his relatives had been treated by the savages. Whether these are true or not cannot now be determined. They belong, however, to the folk-lore of the county, and as such deserve recital. It is said that on one occasion, while roaming through the forest, he suddenly met two Indians. They instinctively knew him to be a foe, and both at once dodged behind the cover of friendly trees. Jeffers perceived that the contest of one against two would be an unequal one, if carried on squarely; so he resorted to artifice to overcome the odds. Taking off his cap he placed it over the muzzle of his rifle, and exposed it, apparently incautiously, to the view of his antagonists. This had the desired effect. Thinking it was his head which they saw, .one of them instantly shot and sent a ball through the empty cap. Jeffers dropped the cap to the ground, giving a death-like groan as he did so. The two Indians at once sprang from cover, and were rushing forward to secure the scalp of their supposed victim, when the latter stepped forth, cocked his rifle and prepared to shoot. He was at first at a loss to know which of the two had the loaded rifle, but perceiving one of them lift his weapon to his shoulder, he surmised that he was the dangerous foe, and accordingly shot him. The remaining savage sprang forward with a huge knife and engaged in a hand to hand conflict, but the superior cunning of the white man caused victory to perch on his side. As the savage was about to make a final thrust, Jeffers deflected the course of the knife, and it sheathed itself in the breast of the Indian himself, instantly killing him.

528

HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

In 1807 John Barnes entered the township, and located on a farm near Pardoe Station. He had previously settled in Jackson Township, where he and his brother Thomas had secured a farm numbering 100 acres of rich land. Barnes was an Irishman. His sympathy with that race induced those of his fellow-countrymen who entered the township to settle near him. Thus the settlement known as Irishtown originated.

In the southeastern portion of the township few settlements were made prior to 1830. Among the earliest pioneers of the region, brief mention may be made of James Montgomery, who secured 200 acres in this locality in 1834, and at once began their improvement; Hugh Rainey, yet living, who occu- pies a portion of the Montgomery place, which he bought in 1838, and Jacob and Christian Snyder, whose entrance into the township probably dates back to 1832.

Villages .- Findley Township has several small villages. Hope Mills is a station on the W. N. Y. & P. R. R., near the boundary line between Findley and Springfield. The settlement was made by the Junkin's family, whose sketch is given elsewhere. The village has grown up in consequence of the location of old-time mills at that point. They have finally disappeared by fire. In the creek near the mill three persons have been drowned. One of them was a lady school-teacher.

Pardoe, a station on the P. S. & L. E. Railroad, is a sprightly village of several hundred inhabitants. Its growth has been dependent upon the activity of the adjoining coal mines, which have given occupation to the people of the community. It was laid out in 1869 by the Mercer Mining and Manu- facturing Company. Lots for school and church purposes were donated at the inception. Three churches, a Presbyterian, a Methodist and a Catholic, have been since established, the organizations dating back some ten years. Bernard Heidrich started the first store. The property finally fell into the hands of C. M. Derickson, of Mercer.

Irishtown is a small village southeast of Pardoe, near the line separating Findley and Wolf Creek Townships. It was named Irishtown because the first settlers were Irish, the suggestion being made by John Galbreath. These settlers came to this region in 1803. Some of the near neighbors then were John Todd, John Patterson, Thomas Graham, John Richie, John Burnside, James Alexander, Matthew Alexander, John Hoge, James Bell, Thomas Pax- ton, Sr., Thomas Paxton, Jr., Joseph Scott, Hugh Evans, James Evans, James Long, James Craig, Peter Wilson, William Montgomery, James Montgomery, Samuel McChesney, Robert Allen, John Montgomery, John Allen, Thomas Barnes, John Barnes and others.

A list of the early officers of each township is given in Chapter XXVIII. It will be found to contain the names of a number of the leading pioneer spirits of Findley Township.

FRENCH CREEK TOWNSHIP.

French Creek Township was formed in 1805, the first mention of it on the court records being under date of August, of that year, when the survey was returned and approved. It was originally much larger than at present, its ter- ritory having been very much diminished November 19, 1849, by the formation of Mill Creek Township. The surface of the township is very much broken. Precipitous hills rise abruptly up in many places, while the intervening valleys thus formed are sharply outlined, and give an air of ruggedness to the contour of the land. In point of drainage the principal stream in the township is the rapidly-flowing French Creek, which enters from the northwest, flows in a southeastern course across the extreme northeastern corner of the township,

John H In krumb.

531

HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

and finally passes into Venango County. There are two or three tributaries to this, that serve to drain the portion of the township farther removed from the main stream. In regard to mineral wealth the township is not distin- guished for the possession of valuable coal deposits. A superior grade of building stone is found along the banks of French Creek, but its market is purely local, and no attempts have been made to enter into shipping con- nections with outside trade.

Among the physical features of the township might be included the mound-evidences of the existence of a distinctly civilized and enlightened pre-historic race of men. On the Heydrick farm is a beautiful hill, whose triangular summit is covered with an imposing pile of curious relics of pri- meval workmanship, which have been collected through a long series of patient search in the region near by. Arrow-heads, darts, pipes, skinning-knives, hatchets and well-preserved remains of antique pottery have, in many in- stances, been preserved by the inhabitants of the township. In addition to these more-subtly wrought implements of civilized life, there are found in great abundance the grosser and rougher weapons of the later Indians. Their rude arrow-heads, consisting of flint irregularly chipped off into pointed darts, and the various other relics of Indian workmanship, have been discovered in various places in the county, but nowhere as numerously as in French Creek. Particularly about the mouth of Deer Creek, where it is supposed the savages assembled in force to hunt, are the weapons of the chase found in great numbers. There are a number of traditions connected with these which make the region an interesting one to the student of archæ- ology.

First Settlers. - The first white man to set foot in the region which after- ward became French Creek Township was. according to a supposition which appears to be reasonably well founded, Joncaire, in 1727. He was a French officer, sent out by his government to occupy the disputed territory, which became so dread a witness of the fierce struggle called the French and Indian War. The chain of forts, which the court of Versailles had placed at short intervals in the country which was to be held, was constructed along the line of the leading streams. Le Boeuf, now Waterford, was one to which the French- man proceeded. From thence he passed to Fort Du Quesne, following the course of the streams of French Creek and Allegheny River. In December, 1753, George Washington passed through the township, on his way to Le Boeuf. The expedition was made partly on horseback, and partly by canoes. In his celebrated journal Washington mentions the territory lying northeast of Ven- ango as being exceedingly fertile, and was, no doubt, charmed with its pictur- esqueness. In returning canoes alone were used, and the journal mentions the fact that the rapidity of the stream, and the stones that arose above the level of the water, gave his party much annoyance, frequently compelling them for considerable distances to carry their boats overland.

Coming down to actual settlers, the first settler in the township, so far as can now be ascertained, was Robert Robb, who in 1802 entered and located on donation lot 1,028. He had originally come from Allegheny County. The brother-in-law of Robb, John Smith, followed with his family, consisting of his wife, son Robert and brother William, in 1807. It is related of these two pioneers that they were too poor to own oxen, and consequently were com- pelled for the most part to carry their earthly possessions on their own backs, when emigrating from Allegheny County. In 1803 a daughter was born to Rob- ert Robb and his wife, Polly. She afterward became Mrs. Jennie Wallace, and was the first child born in the township. She was still living up to a few years ago at Franklin, Venango County.

532

HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

In 1803 came Hugh Moore, who had been attracted from his old home in Bedford County by the richness of the new county's soil. He settled on land subsequently owned by W. Heydrick. He is said to have owned the first wagon in the township. About the same time came his neighbor, John Daily, who made clearings near by. John Pearson, who settled on donation lot 1, 029, which had been granted to his father for services rendered in the Revolution- ary War, also arrived at this time and began the settlement of his claim.

In the southern portion of the township Thomas Jones was probably the pioneer. He came from Allegheny County, and it is said that he was paddled up the river as far as Venango by a man named Robert Bowles. At Venango he was started on his journey in company with two children of Bowles, and was compelled to prosecute it on foot. He settled on the farm afterward owned by his son Amos, in 1804. Bowles dying soon after, the two children whom he had entrusted to Jones' care were adopted by him, and one of these, a girl, afterward became Mrs. Jones. In the same year Jerry Henry settled on the land afterward owned by Jonas Blatt, and located two miles south of Milledge- ville. In addition to these, later settlements were made as recent as 1850. As those who made them were scarcely pioneers, no further mention will be made of them.

There was no township in the county so prolific in game as French Creek, eighty years ago. The long stretch of woodland, relieved here and there by streams of running water, afforded ample room for deer. Foxes, also, were abundant, as were likewise, in less degree, bears, wolves and panthers. There were also a number of beavers at one time in the township, for near a pond located on the farm of C. W. Heydrick is the remnant of a vast beaver dam. It is estimated that the original dam was eight feet high and thirty long. The banks of the pond were penetrated in many places by the intelligent ani- mals, thus affording a safe retreat when pursued.

There are records of several old buildings which were among the first con- structions of architecture. One of these was a hewed-log tavern erected by Hugh Moore in 1810, said to be the first tavern in the township. It was two stories high, was possessed of a finished attic and large chimney, and had sev- eral thicknesses of mud plaster applied to its interior. About a mile from the site of this ancient land-mark was located what is said, with probable truth, to have been the first pottery in this part of Mercer County. It was built in 1815, by Joseph Wallace and John Smith. Its dimensions were limited, being twenty-four feet long by eighteen wide. There was a log kiln-house twenty feet square connected with it. The business of manufacturing various kinds of jugs, jars, etc., was carried on until 1824, when it was abandoned. The first saw-mill was constructed in 1828, by C. Heydrick, and stood near the mouth of Deer Creek. The building was forty-five feet long and seventeen wide, and the machinery consisted of a single old-fashioned upright saw, which performed its duties faithfully for a long period of years. In 1833 another saw-mill, situated a little distance west of the present village of Milledgeville, was erected by John Chatley. It was conducted with varying success until 1874. About the same time another one was erected in the southern part of the village, by William Cooper. All traces of it, however, have vanished. In 1837 a grist-mill was erected by David McQuiston and George Dixon. It was located on a farm owned by William M. Burns. The original proprietors con- tinued in possession of the property a few years only, and sold out to William Brown. The mill has now disappeared. The first tannery was built in 1838, by William Burns, it being located on his own farm. The business was con- tinued about ten years, but not being successful, was allowed to perish.

533

HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

The only village in the township is Milledgeville. It was laid out upon donation lot 1,063 in 1851, the land on which it stands being owned at the time by William R. Cooper, Andrew Williams and William Edeburn. The surveyor was John Farver. The first dwelling-house erected in it was owned by Arthur Scott. William McCabe built the first frame dwelling.

Churches. - As early as 1852 Elder John Phillips, since engaged exten- 'sively in the oil business, preached in Milledgeville, and planted the seeds of the present Christian congregation. The family of Samuel Chatley were the first members, and aided in planting the cause which they profess. This con- gregation aided largely in building the old union meeting-house, which was used also for school purposes. In 1875, however, they erected a plain but substantial structure of their own. Elder B. E. Baker, who since joined the Free Will Baptists, was pastor of the congregation at the time. The congregation is in good condition, and is under the pastoral care of the preacher in charge of the Sandy Lake congregation.

The Milledgeville Presbyterian Church was organized April 8, 1856. John Rice and William R. Cooper were elected elders, in which capacity they served until October 24, 1858. The first preaching was done by supplies furnished by presbytery, Revs. McCune, Semple, Shields, Eaton, Gleason, Alexander, Coulter, Wilson, McCollough and others doing that work. Rev. J. G. Condit continued as supply from 1860 to 1864, and was succeeded by Rev. John Rice in the same capacity. For about two years Rev. H. B. Lamb was pastor, and was succeeded in 1867 by Rev. David Patton, who remained but a year. The congregation has relied almost entirely upon sup- plies, In 1861 a building was erected, 35x42, which is still in use.

Deer Creek Methodist Episcopal Church, in French Creek Township, a mile and a half southwest of Milledgeville, was organized early in the forties. Preaching had been done in the neighborhood, in dwellings and school-houses, by Revs. Hiram Luce and A. G. Miller, thus laying the foundation for an organization. In 1842, with about sixteen members, a house 26x24 was built. Enlarged and improved, it served until 1869, when the present building was erected, G. W. Clure and J. S. Williams being the contractors. A Sunday- school has been maintained, with a few exceptions, through the entire year, since 1842. The congregation is in flourishing condition.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 68

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