USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Vol. I > Part 8
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
1
83
-
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
and merchandise brought back on the return trips. The riflemen. from Northumberland county, who joined Washington at Boston in 1775, and the soldier contingent from that locality in the war of 1812, passed over the King's highway. It would be interesting to know the names of the petitioners for this great thoroughfare which was of incalculable value in the development of this county; and since the names have never been published, the reader will pardon the zeal which prompts their publication in this connection. Refer- ence has been made to the prayer of the petitioners, the nature of which is readily understood, hence the formal petition need not be given in full. The signers of the petition were: Benjamin Loxley, George McColloh, Joseph Paul, William Ashbridge, Jacob Paul, John Biddle, Joseph Hart, Jacob Edge, Robert Paul, Joseph Redman, Benjamin Davids, John Stephens, David Reynolds, Robert Erwin, Samuel Wallis, William West, Jr., Andrew Allen, Edward Shippen, Jr., William Smith, Hugh Williamson, Turbutt Francis, Joseph Shippen, Jr., John Cox, Jr., William Scull, John Allen, Matthias Slough, Thomas Lemon, Ellis Hughes, John Lucken, Benjamin Dean, William McCoskry, John Vanderm, Edward Milner, John Paul, Joseph Mather and Jonas Paul. These were all prominent men of their day, active throughout the troublous times in which they lived, and public-spirited far beyond their generation. Some of them stood very close to the administration, and it is claimed that Ellis Hughes was the most conspicuous character in securing a favorable considera- tion of the proposition to build the Great road at governmental expense.
It is related that the teamsters in the early days adopted a novel method of "braking" their wagons when descending the steep hills along the route of this primitive highway. The ordinary wagon brake of today was then unknown; and to avoid the destruction of the tire in passing over the rocky surface when locked with a chain, they cut down trees of suitable size at the top of the hills, chained them to the rear axle, and dragged them to the bottom, thus holding the load and saving the wagon tire. Large accumulations of these "brake" trees were often seen at the bottoms of the steep hills. The old King's highway was the first attempt at establishing a public. thoroughfare through the county. Other trails and bridle paths. served as a means of passing from neighbor to neighbor, but the usual mode of traveling was on horseback or on foot.
Such as these were the only roads in the county at the time the Center turnpike project was inaugurated, and for many years after- ward. Under the provisions of an act of the assembly, passed on
84
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
the 21st of March, 1805, a company was incorporated for the purpose "of making an artificial road by the nearest and best route from the borough of Sunbury, in Northumberland county, to the borough of Reading in the county of Berks." This road was an extension of the turnpike which had been constructed between Philadelphia and Reading, and constituted a portion of the great thoroughfare between Philadelphia and Sunbury. Recognizing the importance and necessity of this route of travel, the State dealt very liberally with the enterprise. An act passed on the 21st of March, 1809, authorized the governor to subscribe in the name of the State, for six hundred shares of the stock, and the same authority on the 30th of March, 1812, directed the governor to purchase three hundred additional shares. - Four years' time was granted the corporation in which to complete this great work; but the magnitude of the enterprise was hardly understood by the legislature, in that the time limit was extended to twice the original period, and very much of the construction work was done between 1807 and 1812. The enormous expenditures for labor, with no returns, found the corporation greatly embarrassed by debts in 1811, when the road was opened between the objective points, and the collection of tolls commenced. But its condition was such that very little traffic passed over it for some years afterward. Many of the streams were unbridged, and the treacherous fords in this mountain region were a menace to the adventurers who braved their dangers. Bridging and correcting of grades continued as rapidly as the hampered financial condition of the promoters would permit, and the road subsequently proved a great benefit to the public, portions of it being so considered even after the lapse of nearly a hundred years. On the 26th of March, 1821, the legislature again came to the rescue, and subscribed $35,000 to the enterprise, provided $30,000 of this amount should be applied on a judgment held by the Bank of Pennsylvania. The route of the Center turnpike through Schuyl- kill county is as follows: Entering the county at Port Clinton, it passes through the townships of West Brunswick, North Manheim, Norwegian, New Castle and Butler; and passes through the boroughs of Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Mt. Carbon and Pottsville, con- stituting Center street in the last named borough; through the towns of New Castle and Fountain Springs, and the borough of Ashland near the line between Columbia and Schuylkill counties.
EARLY STAGE LINES.
In 1812 a weekly stage line was established between Philadelphia and Sunbury, one Robert Coleman being the promoter of this enter-
-
!
85
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
prise. A weekly mail was delivered by the stage to the towns along the route, barring accidents and delays, and the driver increased his salary, somewhat, by distributing newspapers to the settlers whose homes he passed, and by doing little errands for the accommodation of the people. The weekly stage line was continued between Phila- delphia and Sunbury until 1826, about which time a tri-weekly line was established, and by 1829 three daily lines ran through the county. The development of the coal industry wonderfully increased the business of these lines of transportation, and by 1831 new lines were in operation between this county and other points, and facilities for travel were increased by the old routes. This was a thriving business until the introduction of railroads, with the greater comfort and speed, when the old gave place to the new, as is ever the case in the rapid evolutions of time. The Center turnpike remained the prin- cipal thoroughfare between its objective points until the Schuylkill canal cut off a portion of the traffic in freighting, but the passenger trade was not seriously impaired for many years after the establish- ment of the canal. During the three years 1828 to 1830 the road paid a debt of about $15,000, and declared a dividend of nine per cent on its capital stock. This was the high tide of its business - prosperity, and an achievement not then surpassed by any turnpike in the state. The conditions of trade were entirely different from the present during the days of overland travel by private conveyances. There was but little money in the country, and "much of the little" was of questionable value. Every merchant was a dealer in all kinds of produce, which was received in payment for goods. This produce had to be transported to the markets at Philadelphia, and the wagons reloaded with merchandise for the return trip. The men engaged in hauling usually made that their exclusive business, and were spe- cially equipped for it. They had heavy wagons, built to carry from two to two and one-half tons, and these were covered with canvas, as a protection to both the goods and the drivers. From four to six horses were used, the loads being proportioned to the strength of the motive power.
With the opening of the roads came the wayside taverns, designed for the entertainment of the traveling public. These were located at various places along the routes, and the teamsters made use of of them as feeding places-and usually tested the liquid refreshments afforded. The drivers carried provisions and grain, as a matter of economy, hence their patronage was generally confined to the bar, or, at most, that and a place to spread their bedding on the floor. It is related that as many as two hundred freight wagons were often
86
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
seen in line passing over this road; and that the nights spent at these primitive hotels were scenes of boisterous revelry. The first tavern of this character in the county was located on the top of Broad moun- tain, and was kept by Nicho Allen and his wife. They were succeeded in the proprietorship by Mr. Eckbrod, and he by a Mr. Lumison. Another "hotel" was located near the top of Mine hill, built by John Boyer, and first kept by his son-in-law, William Yok. It was after- ward kept by John Fetterman, a Mr. Bachman, George K · iffman, Colonel Shoemaker and others.
1
CHAPTER VI.
"TALES OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS"-A MISCELLANEOUS CHAPTER,
DEVOTED TO EARLY HISTORICAL EVENTS, AS APPEARING IN THE COLUMNS OF THE "MINERS' JOURNAL," PRINCIPALLY FROM THE PEN OF HON. D. C. HENNING.
"A tale of the times of old."-Ossian.
By deep research and careful and persistent investigation of the Pennsylvania Archives, Mr. Henning has established, beyond a doubt, the murder of the Neyman family by Indians, on the present site of Pottsville, in 1780. The investigation of this subject brought to light a series of letters on this and related subjects, which convey much information as to the conditions of affairs in this immediate vicinity at that critical period. Besides reciting the facts of this mas- sacre, the correspondence reveals the fact that a considerable number of soldiers and marines were at work in the timber not far distant from the scene of the tragedy, cutting mast timbers for the French navy, "the head of the Schuylkill" being considered a very advantage- ous point from which to secure this timber. The state librarian, in a letter to Judge Henning, names the book and page where the informa- tion which he sought could be found, and the judge, with his characteristic zeal in "going to the bottom of things," secured and published the correspondence in full. This is too voluminous for use in this connection, but the interested reader is referred to volume 8, pages 529 to 571, of Pennsylvania Archives for an absolute verification of the fact that the murder of the Neyman family is no longer tradition, but an established historical reality.
SOME EARLY HISTORY.
How many people are there in Schuylkill county who have even attained middle or old age who know its early history? How many of us, when a spirit of patriotism has seized us, feel that we must travel far away from our native heath and into some older section if we wish to view the scenes of camp, of bivouac, of deadly fray or of battle in the days that tried men's souls. How few there be who know that this very section was the very center of the theater of war
87
88
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
long before even the birth of Liberty in the City of Brotherly Love. In all the wars of the country there was none that presented the long line of battle that was formed along the Blue mountain in the French and Indian war of 1756. A cordon of forts was then built from the Maryland line to the Delaware river in the northeastern part of our state. The chain of forts from Harrisburg and Rockville along this mountain to the Delaware numbered more than twenty-five. All these forts were manned during the years 1756 to nearly 1760, and the entire line was patrolled almost daily, as well as protection being given to the farmers living along both sides of the mountain. They were all properly manned and officered with sturdy citizen- soldiers who feared no foe. They were regularly inspected and the reports and returns as well of the condition of the forts and their garrisons, as of the forays, campaigns and battles, were regularly made.
THE SCHUYLKILL FORTS.
Of these forts three were located in this county and three within a mile or two south of the county line at the eastern base of the Blue mountains. The most important of these six forts was Fort Lebanon (later known as Fort William), located a mile and a quarter directly east of Auburn on the farm now owned by Lewis Marburger. Its dimensions were one hundred feet square, held a magazine, and in every respect was equipped as a fort. Its garrison was commanded for a long time by Captain Jacob Morgan, who had under him a lieu- tenant and about fifty-eight enlisted men. The reports show many Indian massacres and many scouting campaigns through our moun- tains and valleys as well as skirmishes and battles with the Indians. Their protection extended as far north as the Long Run valley, in which there had then already settled many farmers. The second in importance was Fort Henry on the south base of Blue mountain, south of Pine Grove. This garrison was commanded by Captain Busse who mustered a company of infantry. The third in im- portance was Fort Northkill, located along the Rehrersburg road across the Blue mountain at the southern base. This was under the command of Captain Morgan, also, for a long time, who placed in immediate command a lieutenant or ensign, his residence being at Fort Lebanon. This was an important post and made much history in those perilous times. Indian forays were frequent and many people on both sides of the mountain fell a prey to the fierce tomahawk of the Indian. Then comes, fourth, Franklin, located on the farm now owned by J. W. Kistler, in West Penn township, near the station on the Lizard Creek railroad, called West Penn. The fort was named
İ
89
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
after Benjamin Franklin, who in that day was in high command as to the disposition of our forces on the frontier. It was an important post and was manned by an officer and a company of men. Many thrill- ing incidents occurred here and its protection reached many citizens who had already made their homes in the very heart of the Indian country. Fifth, Fort Everett, located on the south side of Blue mountain just across from Fort Franklin. Last, but probably not least, comes Fort Deitriech Schneider, located on the Rehrersburg road and on the very top of Blue mountain. This was more properly a blockhouse, but rendered great service as an outpost and point of reconnoissance. It stood within a hundred yards and to the north of the present hotel stand of Henry Nein. As a matter of course the greater part of the history of these forts passed away with the lives of the actors in that drama, but enough remains among the archives and the colonial records to show that all of them played a most prominent part in the protection of the citizens and in the pre- vention of Indian incursions in the more thickly populated portions of Pennsylvania. And surely they had their share in the victory of the colonial troops in that merciless war. Who knows what the end might have been if the French and Indians had then been successful?
A project is on foot to erect a monument on the site of these forts by a State appropriation. This should by all means be done and every child should be taught the story of these historic places. Surely Schuylkill county may be proud of her history, and her people may well claim a share of the ante-Revolutionary glory that so many of our older counties boast. These places should not be allowed to be lost to our people, but whether the State takes the matter in hand or not, it should be our pleasure and duty to see that these hallowed spots be cared for and their location be marked and known for all time. If the records of individual heroism, sacrifice and perilous adventure of these early days and at our very homes could now be written they would not fall short of those which have entered into song and story and history, and which goes so far in making us a nation of land-loving patriots.
As preliminary to the action of the colonial authorities in estab- lishing the forts and other means of defense,as recorded in the preced- ing article, it is proper to here record something of the circumstances which rendered such action a public necessity. Reference has been made in a preceding chapter to Conrad Weiser as an Indian inter- preter, scout and early settler of Berks county, but it remains to be' stated that he was also a colonel in the provincial army, and a man
90
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
who stood in close relations with the existing authorities of the prov- ince. He was a man of irreproachable character and unquestioned integrity and loyalty. On the night of Nov. 2, 1755 (quoting from Pennsylvania Archives, Volume II, page 453), he wrote the following letter to Governor Morris, from Heidelberg, on hearing the news of terrible massacres in territory now embraced within the townships of West Brunswick, Manheim, Wayne, Washington and Pine Grove, all located north of what was then Albany, Heidelberg and Tulpe- hocken townships in Berks county:
"HONORED SIR :- I am going out early next morning with a com- pany of men, how many I cannot tell as yet, to bring away the few and distressed families on the north side of Kittidany while yet alive, (if there is yet alive such): they cry aloud for assistance, and I shall give as my opinion tomorrow in public meeting of the township Heidelberg, and Tulpehocken, that they few that are alive and remain- ing there (the most part is come away) shall be forewarned to come to the south side of the hills, and we will convey them to this side. If I dont' go over the hills myself, I will see the men so far as the hills, and give such advice as I am able to do; there can be no force used, we are continually alarmed, and last night I received the account of Andw. Mountour, Bell, Scarioady and others wanting me to come up with my men to John Harris' ferry and to consult with them. I sent an account for my not coming with my son Sammy, who set off by break of day this morning, with an invitation to the Indians to come down to my house for consultation. The same message I had ventured to send by George Gabriel I send by Sammy, a copy of which number, the very same I sent by George is here enclosed; when I received the latter from Harris' ferry, signed by several, among whom was Mr. J. Galbreath and Mr. James Ellison, it was late in the night, I dispatched a messenger after George, and he came back this morning; here inclosed, as said before, is his errand; I hope to see my son back again tomorrow night with intelligence; that is one reason that I can't go over the hills; my son Peter came up this even- ing from Reading at the head of about fifteen men in order to accoin- pany me over the hills, I shall let them go with the rest; had we but good regulation, with God's help we could stand at our places of abode, but if the people fail, (which I am afraid they will, because some goes, some won't, some mocks, some pleads religion, and a great num- ber of cowards). I shall think of mine and my family's preservation and quit my place. If I can get none to stand by me to defend my
91
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
own house. But I hope you will excuse this hurry, I have no clerk now, and had no rest these several days or nights hardly.
"I am, Honored Sir, your obedient,
"CONRAD WEISER."
Governor Morris must have received these accounts with the most grave apprehensions. He hastened the building of the forts all along the Blue mountains, and being probably more familiar with the operations on the French and Indian frontiers in the north and north- west, he doubtless looked upon them as being of national importance. With this thought in his mind he at once dispatched a circular to the governors of all the neighboring provinces, including Massachu- setts and Virginia. The letter was dated November, 1755. In the same month he wrote lengthily to Col. George Washington, who wrote several letters in reply, all relating to plans and cooperation in the campaigns proposed as a means of defense in that warfare which these incursions and massacres portended. The following is a copy of the circular letter addressed to the several governors (from Pa. Arch., Vol. II, page 450 .- "Gov. Morris to the Neighboring Governors, 1755"):
"SIR :- By the enclosed intelligence you will see that the Indians have passed the Susquehanna and laid waste the settlements, at a place called Tulpehockin, which was one of the best peopled and most fruitful parts of this Province, and lyes within about seventy miles of this city. The People, who are under no kind of Discipline, and mostly without arms, are flying before them and leaving the Country to their mercy. By the manner of ye attacks these savages have made upon the different parts of this Province, there is reasons to believe their main body is more murderous than scalping partys generally are, and as they destroy Cattle and Horses and burn and destroy everything before them, it seems to be their intention to dis- able us from furnishing provision & ye expected assistance in another campaign against Fort Duquesne, for which this Province was cer- tainly most conveniently situated and best circumstanced, but will itself stand in need of the aid of the other Colonies, if these cruel ravages are suffered to go on, which I am much afraid the pacifick disposition of my Assembly will suffer them to do, as they have been now sitting a fortnight without doing anything to ye purpose."
The atrocious murders committed by the Indians in this locality preceding and following this decisive action of the officials have been mentioned in a preceding chapter. It being impossible to give the names of all of the victims the record must be presented as one
92
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
grand tragedy the recital of which, after the lapse of a hundred and fifty years, is scarcely within the pale of human comprehension. In this connection, however, it is proper to mention the murder of John Hartman and son, and two neighbors, and the capture of a woman and several children just before the date of Colonel Weiser's letter. *
Impatient because of the tardy relief afforded in response to his letter of November 2d, Colonel Weiser addressed a second letter to the governor on the 24th of November, 1755, and this communi- cation was indorsed by two of his co-laborers in the cause of humanity (Pennsylvania 'Archives, Vol. II, page 511):
"HONORED SIR :- We the Subscribers hereof, being met together to think on means how to withstand our cruel Indian Enemy, thought fit to acquaint your Honour of the Miserable Condition of the Back Inhabitants of these parts in: (Ist) Since the last cruel murder com- mitted by the Enemy, most of the People of Tulpenhacon have left their Habitation; Those in Heidelberg moves their Effects. Bethel Township is entirely deserted. (2d) There is no Order among the people ; one cries one Thing and another another Thing. They want to force us to make a law, that they should have a Reward for every Indian which they kill; they demanded such a Law of us, with their Guns Cocker, pointing it towards us. (3d) The People are so incensed not only against our cruel Enemy the Indians, but also (we beg leave to inform your Honour) against the Governor and Assembly, that
*Two of the children captured were daughters of John Hartman-Barbara and Regina-the former being killed by the captors because of her inability to stand the long and wearying march to the Indian rendezvous in New York; but Regina remained in the hands of her captors for nine years, or until the tribe was annihilated by Colonel Bouquet in 1764, and 400 captives liberated. Among these were Regina and a little girl friend who had shared with her the horrors of Indian captivity. Mrs. Hartman, who had escaped the fate of her family, having one son with her on the fatal day, had ever cherished the hope that some time, in the providence of the God whom she worshiped, her loved ones would be restored to her. Hearing of this wholesale liberation, she ap- peared at the place designated for identification, but to her great sorrow was unable to recognize her children because of the changes wrought by years of separation and the peculiar Indian garb. Passing several times along the line in bitter tears of disappointment and blasted hope, she was about to give up in despair when the kind hearted Colonel Bouquet offered a suggestion, which was that she say or do something which was familiar to her children in their home life. She remembered a favorite hymn of Regina's and commenced to sing it in German, as it had been taught to the child. She had scarcely com- menced when Regina rushed out of the line and clasped her mother in her arms! The prayers of a devoted Christian mother had been answered! The little homeless and friendless waif begged to accompany her friend and protector to the happy home thus providentially restored to her, and though the poor widow was in straitened circumstances, this very reasonable request was gladly granted.
93
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
we are afeared they will go down in a Body to Philadelphia and com- mit the vilest Outrages. They say they will rather be hanged than to be butchered by the Indians, as some of their Neighbors have been lately, and the Poverty that some are in is very great. (4th) Yesterday we sent out about Seventy men to the mountains to take Possession of several Houses, and to range the Woods along the mountain in Berks County, on the west side of Schuylkill. The same Number are sent to the back parts of Lancaster (Lebanon) County, we promised them two Shillings a Day, two Pounds of Bread, two Pound of Beoff, and a jill of Rum a day, and Ammunition, and that for forty days, or till we shall receive your Honour's Order. We persuaded ourselves your Honour will not leave us in the Lurch; We must have done such a Thing or else leave our Habitation. If no more, and all this would do, we and others of the Freeholders have been Obliged to promise them a Reward of four Pistoles for every Enemy Indian man they should kill. Many Things more we could mention but we don't care to Trouble your Honour Farther, do therefore conclude, and beg leave to subscribe ourselves, Honoured Sir,
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.