USA > Pennsylvania > Northampton County > History of Northampton County [Pennsylvania] and the grand valley of the Lehigh, Volume I > Part 19
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The United States court convened April II, 1799, with James Iredell associate justice on the bench to try Fries. He was defended by Alexander J. Dallas, John Ewing and William Lewis. The government was represented by Samuel Sitgreaves and William Rawle. The trial began May Ist and many witnesses were called ; on May 9th the jury returned a verdict of guilty ; on the fourteenth of that month Fries was called up for sentence. His coun- sel made application for a new trial, basing his motion on the plea that John Reynolds, one of the jurors, had declared a prejudice against the pris- oner after he was summoned as a juror, producing testimony to that effect. After a long argument a new trial was granted.
The second trial of Fries took place April 29, 1800, Judge Samuel Chase presiding. A new indictment was drawn against Fries, to which he pleaded not guilty. He was again defended by Alexander J. Dallas and William Lewis, but they withdrew from the case because of the extraordinary course of the judges in declaring their opinions as to the law before hearing counsel, thus prejudicing the case to the jury. This left Fries without counsel ; he, however, expressed no desire to have any, and the case proceeded on the part of the government. The jury rendered a verdict of guilty on May Ist; the following day Fries was sentenced to be hung. The trial of the other parties indicted followed Fries' second trial, and they were found guilty, and the following sentences imposed upon them: John Getman and Frederick Heaney, to be hung; Henry Jarret a fine of $1,000 and two years' imprison- ment ; George Schaeffer was for a first offence fined $400 and eight months' imprisonment, and for a second offence four months' imprisonment and a fine of $200; Daniel Schwartz, Sr., was fined $400 and given a prison sen- tence of eight months; Christian Ruth, Henry Stapler and Henry Schiffert were fined $200 and sentenced to prison for eight months ; Michael Schmeier was given a prison sentence of one year and fined $50; Valentine Kuder, a
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fine of $200 and two years' imprisonment ; Rev. Jacob Eyerman, a fine of $50 and one year's imprisonment; Henry Shankweiler, a fine of $150 and one year's imprisonment ; Michael Snyder, a fine of $400 and nine months' im- prisonment ; Henry Schmidt, a fine of $200 and eight months' imprisonment ; Philip Desch and Jacob Kline were fined $150 and received a prison sentence of eight months; Philip Ruth and Christian Sachs were fined $200 and sen- tenced to six months' imprisonment; John Eberhard, John Klein, Jr., George Getman, William Getman, were each fined $100 and given six months' prison sentence; Herman Hartman, John Huber, Daniel Klein, Jacob Klein, Adam Breich and George Memberger were fined $150 and sentenced to six months in prison ; Abraham Schantz, Henry Memberger and Peter Hagar received a sentence of imprisonment of four months and a fine of $100; Abraham Samsel and P. Huntsberger were fined $50 and given a three months' prison sen- tence; Peter Gable, Daniel Gable and Jacob Gable were fined $40 and sentenced to two months in prison.
The conviction of Fries increased the excitement of the people from the adherents of both political parties, and all possible exertions were made to save his life. A petition signed by a large number of citizens was presented to President Adams for the pardoning of Fries. The President had watched the proceedings of both trials, and on May 20, 1800, he submitted to his cabinet thirteen questions, which indicated his leaning on the side of clemency. One of the cabinet was of the opinion that the three insurgents under death sentence should be executed, while other members thought the hanging of Fries alone would be sufficient to show the power of the law. The President acted on his own judgment; though he represented what was then the aristo- cratic element of the country, also the political party that was fast disintegrat- ing, he had that Yankee trait in his character of caution which made him hesitate to inflict the severe court sentence passed on the offenders. He decided that the excitement prevailing in the country could more readily be allayed by mercy than the opposite course. Therefore, in opposition to the opinions of his cabinet, he decided to deal with leniency towards these mis- guided citizens and pardon them for their misdemeanors. President Adams on May 21, 1800, issued a proclamation granting absolute pardon to all those who stood convicted of treason in Northampton and Bucks counties. This, however, did not include Fries, Getman and Heaney, who, having received the death sentence, it required a special pardon from the President, which was issued a few days later. This was the closing act of an event that was a critical period in the history of the United States.
MOUNTAIN VIEW FROM THE NORTH
Easton at the Entrance to the Grand Valley, with Phillipsburg, N. J., to the left
CHAPTER XVI
THE FIRST HALF OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
The opening of the nineteenth century found Northampton county fully restored from the sufferings and disasters of the Revolutionary War. The population of the county was at this time 30,062; the era of manufacturing had not commenced within her boundaries, her citizens were busily engaged in agricultural pursuits. The era of strife was for a time closed, the Indians who had been troublesome during the preceding century were now far re- moved beyond the western boundaries of her limits. The first decade of the century was passed in peaceful content and happiness, and with nothing to mar the regular routine of home and business life except the strife of political parties. The second decade of the century was not so harmoni- ous, though none of the stirring events of the War of 1812-15 with Great Britain occurred within the boundaries of Pennsylvania and no body of hos- tile troops gained a foothold on her soil. What was true of the State in this particular was also true of the county of Northampton. There was, however, the old military ardor which was manifested in the Revolutionary period and there was no lack of volunteers who were ready to administer another blow to the British lion. When the enemy's movement up the Chesapeake bay was thought to have for its objective point the city of Philadelphia, there was no more than this needed to rouse the patriotism of every Pennsylvanian.
It was on July 14, 1814, that President Madison issued his call for 93,500 militia, of which the quota of Pennsylvania was 14,000, and before a day had passed the intelligence had reached the furthest parts of the county, and men came freely forward to enroll themselves in the companies which were already forming and in some cases were already filled. Captain Abraham Horn's company was raised to a strength of sixty men in Easton in a single day. A great portion of the volunteer soldiers was encamped at Marcus Hook, on the Delaware, below the metropolis. The designs of the British were not on the city of Philadelphia, but the excitement was not allayed when it was found that the National Capital was to feel the weight of the enemy's wrath; and when the torch was applied to Washington, the indigna- tion and patriotic anger of the people was intense. The military records at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, are incomplete, and a thorough search has only resulted in a partial list of those who volunteered from Northampton county :
First Company, First Rifle Regiment, at Camp Dupont, Nov. 13th, 1814:
Capt .- Abraham Horn, Jr.
Ist Lieut .- J. Horn; 2nd, J. Dingler.
Ensign-J. Biglow.
Sgts .- M. Horn, F. Mattes, C. Hay.
Ist Cpls .- S. Moore, E. Fortner, J. Ship, J. Dill.
Musicians-W. Thompson, J. Horn.
Pvts .- J. Luckenbach, C. Bowers, W. Mexsell, W. Evans, G. Lottig, J. Bossler,
P. Miller, N. Dealy, H. Miller, J. Doan, T. Shank, F. Warmkessel, F. Jackson, J.
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Hartly, J. Mesene, G. Shewell, J. Bossler, D. Roth, J. Seiple, W. Berlin, H. Wilhelm, J. Smith, A. Keyselback, C. Carey, J. P. Breidenbach, P. Storker, J. Grub, A. H. Barthold, I. Keider, J. Kelso, A. Grub, J. Falkner, H. Pine, W. Shick, E. Mettler, J. Barns, J. L. Jackson, J. Killpatrick, A. Flag, C. Genther, A. Ward, G. Dingler, J. Shipe.
Complete muster-roll of the Fourth Company of 2nd Regiment Volunteer Light Infantry, command of Col. Louis Buch, Aug. 27, 1814:
Capt .-- Peter Nungesser.
Ist Lieut .- C. Lombeart; 2nd, H. Sitgreaves.
Ensign-W. Barnett.
Ist Sgt .- Andrew Pursol; 2nd, J. Mush; 3rd, C. Hickman, 4th, J. Nagle. Ist Cpl .- L. Geno; 2nd, B. H. Arndt; 3rd, J. Osterstock; 4th, G. Reichart. Drum-Major-C. Horn.
Fifer-G. Stroap.
Pvts .- T. Arnold, W. Schooley, P. Bishop, S. Barnes, S. Bachman, J. Bachman, I. Cary, V. Ditly, John Dehart, P. Reichart, J. Reichart, J. Yohe, G. Hawk, J. Skilley, R. Wallace, J. Otto, J. Morgan, W. Garron, J. Simmons, M. Trocell, C. Hutter, S. White, W. Levers, J. Inman, J. Iarman, J. Stucker, S. Frantz, P. Everhart, J. Ludwich, S. Swan, J. Newhart, L. Easterwood, J. Young, J. Bellows, W. Sayder, J. Faren, E. Genning, P. Drumheller, S. Erwine.
Roll of Capt. John Dornblaser's Company, belonging to a detachment of North- ampton, Lehigh and Pike Counties' militia, commanded by Lieut. C. J. Hutter:
Capt .- John Dornblaser.
Ist Lieut .- J. V. Bush; 2nd, J. Winters ; 3rd, F. Fenner.
Ensign-D. Smith.
: Ist Sgt .- J. W. Morrison; 2nd, John Hartzel; 3rd, Jacob Hartzel; 4th, F. Fenner. Ist Cpl .- N. Tell; 2nd, H. Barret; 3rd, S. Stocker; 4th, W. Brady.
Drummer-J. Saylor.
Fifer -- J. Hickman.
Pvts .- J. Dietz, G. Rape, P. Snyder, J. Ward, J. Osterstack, J. Young, J. Shafer, G. Nolf, S. Hoffert, J. Bunstein, C. Walter, A. Young, D. Stocker, G. Willower, A. Miller, J. Wimmer, F. Price, L. Kehler, J. Hertmacher, D. Kehler, C. Windan, J. Staufer, J. Stocker, J. Gangwehr, J. R. Holman, L. Nye, A. Nye, J. Steiner, D. Miller, P. Hahn, G. Hahn, G. Meyer, P. Shick, J. Keyser, F. Yeres, J. Swartwood, J. Minner, P. Fisher, J. Crawford, J. Baird, D. Sheperd, J. Lowman, D. Evans, J. Stine, J. Barr, J. Cooper, W. Davis, J. Clark, W .Bureau, Jacob Arndt, S. Snell, C. Ihrie, J. Gower, H. Meyer, G. Serfas, D. Fisher, J. Christman, J. Klinetrap, J. Mach, T. Postens, G. Miller, J. Swenk, J. Brewer, C. Smith, J. Merwine, J. Huston, G. Rinkle, S. Reese, A. McGammon, P. Strunk, J. Foulk, G. Coolbaugh, P. Jayne, B. Bunnell, J. Place, J. Adams, F. Herman, S. Winans, S. Kinkaill, P. Vandermark, A. Vanetten, J. Howe, R. Simpson, W. Van Sickle, I. Stell, C. Cartright, G. Watson-1814.
Camp Dupont, Nov. 13-14. List of Capt. John Ott's Rifle Company of the com- mand of Col. Thomas Humphreys:
Capt .- John Ott.
Ist Lieut .- Joseph Wild.
Ensign-Casper Livingwood.
Ist Sgt .- F. Whitman; 2nd, J. Knipply; 3rd, M. Ox; 4th, P. Wind.
Ist Cpl .- T. Gennes; 2nd, E. Hallan; 3rd, M. Hearline; 4th, W. Fogel, H. Weber. Drummer-P. Jacoby.
Fifer-E. Weber.
Pvts .- P. Shafron, P. Hager, P. Jacoby, J. Brown, J. Gangwer, F. Stoll, J. Hoff- man, M. Detra, S. Paul, J. Trapp, P. Bachaker, D. Romig, H. Myer, J. Henn, J. Gain, D. Gongwer, J. Laskerg, L. Pigenback, P. Buchacker, S. Shafer, H. Mastaller, H. Bouten, G. Trapp, P. Herline, P. Weber, P. Wild.
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Capt. Shafer's Company-Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division:
Capt .- Adam Shafer. Lieut .- Jacob Keller. Ensign-J. Ratenbach.
Ist Sgt .- J. Drumheller; 2nd, C. Sellers; 3rd, A. Brunner; 4th, J. Rumfield; 5th, J. Dotterer.
Cpls .- J. Hess, J. Unangst, P. Lynn, G. Weaver.
Pvts .- J. Sigfried, P. Unangst, P. Heager, A. Engelman, S. Hartman, J. Jacoby, J. Zeigler, G. Kleiner, P. Klik, J. Miller, J. Welsh, R. Laubach, D. Reigh, H. Hoff- man, J. Cooper, J. Christman, T. Weaver, J. Freeman, P. Roth, J. Beidleman, M. Loyd, J. Hess, H. Bett, C. Ruch, L. Blaylor, M. Ruth, J. Hause, H. Reigle, A. Fehr, M. Lutz, J. Lantz, P. Peyfer, J. Stein, S Hartzel, S. Waldenslager, G. Laugbach, G. Jacoby, J. Woodring, H. Grotz, J. Peyfer, J. Stein, F. Miller, J. Miller, H. Frankenfield, W. Raub, J. Raub, J. Brotzman, L. Walter, P. Mittig, P. Transu, D. Rauch, G. Sander, J. Rauch, G. Falich, S. Rauch, S. Mest, J. Rex, J. Hausman, J. Best, A. Hartzel, F. Garis, F. Spangleberg, J. Raub, J. Spangleberg, H. Stein, J. Peter, J. Lauchnor, A. Ranckle, V. Silger, D. Deibert, D. Gensenger, A. Klotz, L. Hann, J. Harlan, J. Hann, G. Sterwald, D. Archer, D. Acker, C. Magus, A. Fry, S. Boyer, J. Milton, C. Heller, J. Hadler, G. Dapbieder, G. Breiner, G. Hedler, A. Miller, J. Frantz, M. West, J. Rex, P. Natslove, P. Sell, M. Farrow, J. Kramlich, J. Heidard, G. Hop, P. Hartman.
Rifle Company, - Regiment, Col. Ist Brigade, Gcn. Spring; 2nd Division, Gen. Shirtz, Oct. 14th, 1814:
Capt-Abraham Gangawarc.
Ist Lieut .- Da'l Moyer; 2nd, J. Ncwhart; 3rd, J. Stein.
Ensign-O. Weller.
Ist Sgt .- J. Dull; 2nd, P. Minor; 3rd, D. Quier.
Ist Cpl .- A. Keisser; 2nd, J. Long; 3rd, D. Bickle; 4th, J. Mogler. Musicians-J. Weiper, D. Quear.
Pvts .- J. Pryor, D. O'Daniel, J. Rose, J. Swenk, J. Frain, D. Keik, N. Moyer, J. Keidler, D. Rhoads, S. Boardgt, J. Ott, J. Rhoads, S. Yunt, G. Leitzenberger, B. Shoemaker, P. Kuntz, D. Stileman, C. Slamy, Kinhinger, P. Sloffmore, H. Brobert, H. Hartman, G. Fisher, G. Hoats, H. Good, G. Kcntz, J. Song, M. Eline, H. Kemery, P. Laudenslager, J. Loudenslager, C. Fought, G. Henry, T. Gangwere, D. Valentine, H. Ocher, G. Beck, J. Sherry, J. Deal, A. Schriven, J. Beck, G. Woodring, M. Good, J. Flexer, J. Richenbach, J. Hamer, M. Dornhamiler, J. Miller, J. Ncrfor, J. Frack, J. Nagle, J. Schantz, J. Miller, J. Guilher, C. Reinbole, G. Hill, W. Stover, M. Fryman, F. Rider, R. Rovenholt, P. Kuntz, A. Highleager, H. Rich, F. Heller, P. Minic, G. Sterner, H. Rice, P. Seip, G. Broab, P. Elinsider, J. Trexler, J. Koch, J. Clawell, J. Eret, H. Fadsinger, E. Keafer, J. Enhard, J. Slower, H. Herwig, J. Mushtitz, M. Poe, M. Sendle, G. Lehr, P. Nogle, C. Race, C. Wile, A. Loudenbach, J. Hillegass, J. Shontz, .J. Heller, G. Whitzal, S. Good, J. Ott, J. Stower, J. Snider, H. Shontz.
Third Company, - Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division.
Capt .- William Fisher.
Ist Lieut .- D. Roth; 2nd, J. Lamb; 3rd, A. Keller.
Ensign-J. Knecht.
Ist Sgt .- J. Walp; 2nd, I. L. Johnston; 3rd, J. Heyney; 4th, M. Morris.
Cpls .- T. Shich, H. Karney, S. Ziegler.
Musicians-G. Hess, P. Sichfried, E. Kronkright.
Pvts .- W. Major, D. Ross, G. Emmor, G. Albert, H. Pysher, D. Lamberson, C. Hess, A. Fleming, E. Carkhuff, P. Reimer, G. Reimer, C. Wagner, J. Knacht, Jr., C. Junken, J. Biggle, J. Kister, M. Teal, M. Itterly, P. Flory, H. McCormel, D. Shoren, A. Hilliard, J. Emrich, J. Keim, J. Walker, M. Ernst, J. Bloof, S. Weed, O. Lester, G. Walter, W. Eysenbeiger, J. Shelly, P. Kellian, D. Wanaher, J. Henry, W. Westfall, R. Galloway, J. Houch, J. Jones, D. Grube, J. Miller. H. Hess. J. Miller.
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Jr., H. Strause, A. Wanner, J. Roth, F. Mapes, J. Miller, P. Steinmetz, C. Ziegler, J. Flick, C. Kreidler, J. Krutzer, W. Edmond, J. Kintz, C. Menzer, J. Flory, P. Wey- gant, G. Gross, A. Houch, G. Gerhart, C. Muffley, I. Albert, L. Shannon, J. Pensyl, S. Hopple. C. Fell, L. Bartholomew, J. Miller, J. Michen, J. Smith, D. Labur, W. Freitchey, S. Yod, J. Johnston, J. Nichum, J. Eylenberger, S. Claywell, J. Russell, A. Grotzman, J. Williams, J. Gouley, W. Williams, J. Long, J. Snyder, B. Fort, G. Kratzer, J. Strouse, P. Keller.
Roll of Seventh Company, First Rifle Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, in the command of Col. T. Humphreys.
Capt .-- Jacob Shurtz.
Sgts .- J. Ettwein, J. King, J. Humel, J. Wagner.
Cpls .- J. Wolf, H. Wolf, J. Buss, N. Kaemeres.
Musicians-A. Stehe, M. Lawall, P. Lawall.
Pvts .- J. Kocher, J. Beil, D. Fry, M. Fry, John Blum, J. Clayder, S. Gross, C. Beker, J. Coleman, J. Colver, G. Engel, J. Flick, J. Handsher, L. Cutting, J. Dor- wart, F. Dreher, J. Huber, J. Hinkel, P. Junken, I. Kinart, J. Kirkenthal, J. Moser, D. Kreidler, C. Roth, Jacob Roth, John Roth, George Lawall, J. Santee, W. W. Swain, M. Transee, J. Unangst, G. Wagner, G. Young, G. Heberling, C. Fry, D. Oberly, J. Ziegnfuss; made at Camp Dupont, November 13th, 1814.
Fourteenth Company, Ist Rifle Regiment, Camp Dupont, September 14th, 1814:
Capt .- George Hess, Jr.
Ist Lieut .- I. McHose; 2nd, J. Steaver.
Ensign-S. Meyer.
Musicians-J. Weaver, W. Hinkel.
Sgts .-- P. Boehm, D. Beaver, C. Bashman, W. Lynn.
Cpls .- W. Lersh, I. Eckert, G. Rush, J. Henn.
Pvts .- A. Braun, M. Moser, J. Freeman, J. Sherer, S. Emery, C. Laubach, J. Bash- man, J. Seiphert, J. Mann, H. Lee, M. Shleyer, J. Kneshel, F. Siegle, John P. Beyl, J. Leidish, W. Long, D. Shleyer, A. Reish, Jr., P. Ohl, J. Leidish, G. Dany, H. Rasmy, J. Mill, J. Henn, J. Beyl, P. Beaver, Y. Miller, A. Emery, G. Weaver, J. Klau, M. Biesaker, F. Fogel, J. Klau, J. Bast, L. Derr, W. Graham, J. Lynn, Jr.
Captain Hawk's Company, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, command of Lieut .- Col. Christian J. Hutter.
Capt .- Adam Hawk.
Ist Sgt .- J. C. Schock; 2nd Sgt., J. Trokel; 3rd, J. L. Knauss; 4th, Peter Belles; 5th, Wm. Fitzrandolph.
Ist Cpl .- Samuel Walter; 2nd, F. Wilhelm; 3rd, J. Lowry; J. Roher, n. c.
Pvts .- John Rolh, Thos. Pigg, H. Burlinger, N. Gruber, F. Price, J. Kriedler, D. Sirick, J. Rausbury, B. Price, G. Brodhead, S. Beech, A. Neiterhour, J. Jones, H. Rugs, P. Kegs, J. Walter, I. Snell, H. Emech, A. Hickman, G. Kuline, J. Kern, J. Kuhn, A. Wilhour, P. Walter, J. Hilliard, J. Kitter, F. Meksho, N. Duwalt, T. Plotts, R. Arnold, M. Swartz, J. Roup, J. Stocker, A. Jumper, J. Winner, J. Daniels, G. Fry, M. Kouhbine, W. Hulfish, J. Jintry, H. Coffin, J. Bander, P. Odenwilder, W. Walter, J. Caplin, J. Walter, C. Midsker, W. Koup, C. Stocher, M. Naumore, J. Singlin, J. Nagel, G. Shoop, J. Delher, J. Fushamer, J. Putz, A. Remel, S. Strong, J. Wismer, B. Mantania, A. Gordon, J. W. Drake, W. Sayre, J. Lee, P. Hawk, J. Storme, H. Wergs, G. Kittz, A. Andrew, A. Arnold, M. Smith, D. Burrow, J. Frong, A. Depew, J. Strole, G. Hanzsor, J. Price, J. Kemry, J. Bush, A. Tell, J. Prichard, A. Dennis, J. Raush, J. Smith, J. Targen, D. Lee, S. Pugh, P. Klinelup, P. Putz, A. Kailor, J. M. Carr.
The foregoing is a list of the names of soldiers from Northampton county ; some of the companies were entirely from the county, while others were only partially s. At the Easton library there is preserved a company
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FIRST HALF OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
color that was presented by the ladies of Easton by Miss Rosina Beidelman to Captain Horn's company on the morning of their departure from Camp Dupont. At the time the Declaration of Independence was promulgated at Easton, July 5, 1776, a flag representing the Thirteen States was displayed at the conclusion of the reading of that famous document, and the court-house bell rang forth the glad tidings to the assembled people. Just who retained possession of the flag is of course only traditional. Naturally, it may be presumed it was either Colonel Robert Levers or Lieutenant Valentine Beidelman, both of whom were trusted custodians of local affairs of the new government. The probability is that the flag presented to the emergency company was the original Revolutionary flag, on account of the presentation being made by a descendant of the trusted lieutenant of the county. In the year 1821 the remnant of this flag was placed in the Easton library, where it can be seen to this day. After these volunteers entered the field the war receded and no longer menaced their State. It was fought out on other ground-in the lowlands of Louisiana, the Canadian plains, and on ocean and lakes.
War always brings with it an increased price of necessary living com- modities. The War of 1812 was no exception to this inflexible consequence. Sugar reached thirty-five cents a pound, coffee was forty cents, and all classes of cotton and woolen goods commanded prices as high in proportion. This state of affairs was not, however, ruinous to the people, as the lesson was taught to do without luxuries. There was scarcely an article produced, excepting salt, that was necessary to their comfort and health but was pro- duced within the limits of the county. Rye was a passable substitute for coffee, while roots and herbs were gathered in the forests to take the place of tea imported from China, which retailed at four dollars a pound. The spinning-wheels and handlooms, by the industry of wives and daughters, furnished broadcloths, silks and calicoes, which were as warm and durable as those of foreign manufacture. Incomes did not suffer a corresponding diminution, for the agricultural products advanced as rapidly as foreign articles. Wheat reached three dollars a bushel, corn a dollar and a half, and oats eighty cents; so that while necessary expenses of a family were in- creased, incomes were fully doubled. Thus, while the war brought disaster and impoverishment to the country at large, particularly to the mercantile interests of the larger cities, it wrought no such immediate result in North- ampton county.
The era of speculation, however, was abroad through the country, the extremely high prices received by the farmers for their products added to the great abundance of paper money issued by corporations, and individuals all attended to promote "get rich" schemes, to which the people fell easy victims. In Northampton county the land speculations of Nicholas Kraemer, who resided at Nelighsville, in Allen township, gained a wide field of promi- nence. He inflated the value of lands from thirty dollars an acre to one hundred dollars an acre, and so successful were his operations that many of the steady-going East Pennsylvanians paid for a lot of land three times the price their own judgment would approve. Swamplands and mountain lands were disposed of at fancy prices, and so gullible were the people that Kraemer
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carried on successful operations from 1802-16. The boom at last reached its height, then came the time when Kraemer failed to appear at his head- quarters at the Sun tavern in Bethlehem, where he had dispensed his hos- pitality with the mighty punch-bowl. The sheriff now became the presiding genius. Kraemer's fortune, if he ever had one, was swept away, his land holdings were sold for one-sixth of the value so recently placed upon them, and its promoter became an outcast from the business world.
The amazing hallucinations of the hitherto sensible people of Northamp- ton and adjoining counties are hard to understand; the purchase of lands, often wild and worthless ones, at five times their valuation was probably due to the prosperity of the times and superabundance of paper money. This enabled Kraemer to prosecute his schemes successfully, and the tighten- ing of the money market, which reached its climax in the panic of 1817, was the hurricane that capsized him.
There was another form of speculative madness which had its day in eastern Pennsylvania between 1810-14; this was known as the "Merino Sheep Fever," which spread over the northern and middle states. The merino sheep had been introduced from Spain into the United States in 1802 and the fabulous reports of the value of their fleece and the corresponding results to be obtained were spread throughout the country. Northampton county felt much less of this excitement than the adjoining counties in New Jersey and Pennsylvania ; still, she did not wholly escape. There were many instances in which the fleecy fraud was perpetrated on its citizens. The price of fullbloods ranged from two hundred to eight hundred dollars, and there were instances when as high as two thousand dollars were paid for a merino ram. The half-blooded sheep seldom brought more than fifty dollars as an extreme price. When the season of folly was over, a merino sheep that had cost an entire year's crop could be purchased for five dollars. In some localities there were people who brought ruin upon themselves; no such extreme cases are known to have occurred in Northampton county, but still there were parties who had parted with their wealth, for which the returns were very meagre.
An important event in the history of Northampton county was in the year 1820, which marked the passage of a fleet of boats down the Lehigh river, laden with three hundred and sixty-five tons of anthracite coal. The shipment was made by White and Hazard, and was bound for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This was the first utilization of the river improvements which had just been completed by the Lehigh Navigation Company, who had adopted a system of wing-dams and sluice-gates, combining the principles of the splash dams of the lumberman. The required depth of water between Mauch Chunk and Easton had been obtained the previous autumn. There had been, previous to this, small lots of coal floated down over the rocks and through the eddies of the Lehigh, but they were, however, only experiments, and this shipment was the inauguration of a regular traffic. Even before the Revolution there were traditions of the existence of coal in the moun- tains, but they were vague, shadowy and indefinite. That there was exhaust- less wealth in the mountains was revealed in 1804 to Philip Ginter, a humble hunter. In the pursuit of game he reached the summit of the Mauch Chunk
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