History of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, Part 11

Author:
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Harrisburg : R. C. Brown
Number of Pages: 1454

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When they finally got to the next tavern, the aggressive slave owners were outwitted and at the end of their journey in that direction. The young colored men had been advised of the pursuit of their masters and were safely beyond their reach. When the stage drove up Judge Morris, who was standing on the porch, politely bowed to the Maryland gentlemen as they alighted! They were greatly surprised, and the expression of their countenances, as Judge Morris afterwards described them, indicated that they would have experienced great pleasure in shooting him!

This remarkable slave hunt, and its happy termination for the fugitives, be- came the topic of conversation not only in Tioga, but in the adjoining counties, and for years it was discussed in the family circle, in the bar rooms of the country and village inns, and at public gatherings. And as considerable more than half a century has rolled away, it may be stated as a historical fact that not one of the participants is now alive.

IMPORTANT COUNTY RECORDS STOLEN.

One of the most exciting events of early times was the theft of all the important records of the county contained in the original public building. The robbery oc- curred in the fall or early part of the winter of 1828. The thieves entered the

EARLY COURTS AND CASES.

building at night and carried off all the deed books, seven in number, together with the dockets and records in the prothonotary's office, and the books of the com- missioners. When the news became known a profound sensation was caused, and there was much speculation why such a high-handed outrage should be committed. As no one person could carry the records, it was evident that there must have been more than one concerned in the affair, and probably a wagon and team were re- quired to carry away the official plunder.

The facilities for ferreting out offenders at that time were limited; there were no sharp detectives to follow up clues, consequently the work of searching was slow.

Finally it was ascertained that the object of the robbery was to secure the par- don of a man from the penitentiary who had been convicted and sentenced for horse stealing. Many arrests were made and hearings had, but no evidence could be procured sufficient to hold any of the suspected parties. Among others arrested on suspicion was a man living in the eastern part of the county. It turned out that he was not one of the perpetrators of the theft, but had some knowledge of the plot. Aa time wore on and the records could not be found, this man, it is said, was induced, on the promise of no further prosecution, to give information which led to the recovery of the missing recorda. They were found hidden in a hollow log in the woods about a mile east of the court house, where they had lain for about three months. The object of the theft failed, as the convicted party was not pardoned.

Aa the public mind had become very much inflamed over the matter, because of the trouble, expense, and possible litigation, that would have followed in the event of the final loss of the records, several persons supposed to have been connected with the affair were arrested and indicted for conspiracy. Much delay ensued in bringing them to trial, when, finally, the indictments were quashed in consequence of some informality in the proceedings and through the ingenuity of able counsel, of whom that rising and brilliant young lawyer. Ellis Lewis, was one. It is a tradi- tion that the persons who carried away the records were never arrested, and they carried the secret in their breasts the balance of their lives. It is not likely that any one concerned in the affair is now living.

The robbery gave the commissioners a great deal of trouble, and cost the county a handsome sum. From the records in the commissioners' office (see Journal for 1829, p. 269), it appears that a large number of persons were employed to search for the stolen property, and they were paid the following sums:

Feb. 20, 1829, Almon Allen,

$ 31 44

: George Divins, 4 00

.6 John Marvin, 12 27

.. Thomas Kaydon, 34 31

Daniel Lamb, 22 50

12 00

.. Charles Mann, 6 00

.. Charles Atherton, 42 00

Benjamin Gitchell, for finding lost records, 200 00

21 Samuel Hunt, .. 22 00

Lincoln Powers, 12 00

May 20,

.. Asa Mann,

15 00

... Erastus Rose. 3 00

Medad Gunn,

HISTORY OF TIOGA COUNTY.

3 00

May 20, 1829, Levi Rose,

22 75

Asa Mann, 10 00.

66 Charles Spencer,

12 00

21, 66 William Garretson,

6 00

June 16,

66 Robert Tubbs,

3 00

July 28,

Harris Corey,

11 52

66 Benjamin Bentley,

12 64

66 Peter Roberts,

25 00

Feb.

25, 1831, Lorentes Jackson,

26 30

May 26, 66 Uriah Spencer,

$561 23

Total,

It will be observed that considerable time had elapsed before all the bills were paid, and the last two, which had run for about two years, were collected by process of law. There are no explanatory notes on the minute book, consequently we are left to draw our own conclusions as to some of the causes which produced the friction. The amount of money paid for the recovery of the records was a great deal for that time; in fact, it represented a purchasing power greater than three times that amount to-day. When the robbery was committed the following com- missioners were in office: Lorentes Jackson, John Cochran, E. B. Gerould. Before all the settlements were made Mr. Jackson had retired from office.

AN OBDURATE JUDGE.

On June 5, 1830, the Phoenix announced that the circuit court would meet in Wellsboro on the first Monday of August of that year to sit at least one week. When the time came Judge Rogers appeared and took his seat on the bench, but to the surprise of all the court only lasted one day. The Phoenix summed up the pro- ceedings as follows:

There being five causes upon the calendar for trial, several of which, from their im- portance and the number of witnesses subpoenaed, it was supposed would occupy the court a day or more, it was very reasonably conjectured that the court would continue pretty much through the week. But to the utter consternation of all, and more es- pecially the tavern keepers, the court adjourned early in the afternoon of the first day, before any one could have anticipated such an event, and before the sheriff, attorneys, jurors, witnesses, spectators, politicians or loungers had half arrived. A few minutes after the adjournment several wagons made their appearance loaded with witnesses and accompanied by the parties in the case of Baldwin vs. Kilburn-all however too late.

Nineteen jurors only answered to their names on being called, and the absentees were fined five dollars each for non-attendance four out of the number were, however, excused for cause shown.

The attorneys with one accord besought the court to delay the time a little till their worthy clients should arrive, but his honor was inexorable. One cited the practice of the common pleas as authority for putting over business till Tuesday morning, to which his honor replied, that " if such were the fact, it argued a laxity of practice to which I can not subscribe." A second urged the consideration of his client, being a judge likewise, having inadvertently appointed an adjourned court about the same time, to which the reply was : "That is no cause for continuance, and your client being not ignorant of these matters, I would rather enforce the rule against him with the more rigor." In short as the judge refused to be pettifogged, the bar were unable to detain the court or prevent the trial list from being taken up and disposed of in regular order. Only one cause was tried, and as there was no substantial defense to the plaintiff's claim, and the

John Gray,

12 50

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

court absolutely refusing to listen to any other, though most feelingly importuned to the contrary, it occupied but little time, and thus ended the circuit court, after a session of about three hours !

It would seem from the above statement that Judge Rogers had taken offense at something and was resolved on getting out of the town as soon as possible, re- gardless of the business of clients and attorneys. Perhaps his honor in coming into the town over corduroy roads was so terribly shaken up, and his equanimity so completely destroyed, that a night and a day failed to heal his bruises and restore his temper, and he took revenge on the absent jurymen and the tavern keepers.

CHAPTER VIII.

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

FIRST TRAVELED WAYS-THE STATE LINE SURVEY-A RUDE ROAD BRUSHED OUT -THE WILLIAMSON ROAD-WHY AND HOW IT WAS BUILT-A PRINCELY ENTER- TAINMENT IN THE WILDERNESS-THE PATTERSON BROTHERS -MORRIS STATE ROAD-MORE ROADS LAID OUT-EAST AND WEST STATE ROAD-ERA OF PLANK ROADS-EARLY NAVIGATION SCHEMES-THE CORNING AND BLOSSBURG RAILROAD -MORRIS RUN AND ARNOT BRANCHES-THE FALL BROOK RAILROAD-THE COWANESQUE BRANCH-THE PINE CREEK BRANCH -ELMIRA AND STATE LINE RAILROAD-THE ADDISON AND PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD-OTHER RAILROADS.

T HE first roads in Tioga county were narrow Indian paths, and it has been shown how they ran. The early explorers and settlers followed them, or traveled by canoes on the river. In course of time the most important of these paths were widened, or "brushed out," by the settlers, and in subsequent years became public highways for the passage of wheeled vehicles.

Mention has been made of the road cut through the wilderness by the State line surveyors. This was the first road constructed by white men. It was a rude affair, but it enabled the party to get their pack horses and provisions through, as well as to curry forward their work. Being on the line separating the States of Pennsylvania and New York, however, it did not penetrate the interior of the territory of Tioga, but it enabled a few of the earliest settlers to enter the country from the east and then move south. This line was authorized to be run by the legislatures of the re- spective States, and in 1786 Andrew Ellicott and Andrew Porter, on the part of Penn- sylvania, and James Clinton and Simeon DeWitt, on the part of New York, were appointed to perform the work. In their first report. which is dated October 12, 1786, they say they commenced "at the river Delaware in 42 degrees, north latitude," and continued on the same parallel to the western extremity of the two States. The first ninety miles from the point of beginning ended on the "western side of the

HISTORY OF TIOGA COUNTY.

south branch of the Tioga river," at Lawrenceville. Here a substantial mile-stone was set up, and for many years it was regarded as a conspicuous landmark. The last boundary survey, made in 1893-107 years after the first-reported that the "ninetieth mile-stone is a small monument standing about 100 feet north of State street, in the village of Lawrenceville, at the northeast corner of Hallenback's barn, and about 1,260 feet east of monument 219. It is on line between property of Kuehl and Harraway."

The survey was not completed through to Lake Erie until the subsequent year. Ellicott and Porter continued to be the commissioners from Pennsylvania, but New York was now represented by Abraham Hardenberg and William Morris. Their final report was made October 29, 1787, accompanied by maps showing the topog- raphy of the country from the Delaware river to Lake Erie.

In continuing the line westward from the ninetieth mile-stone, the commission- ers say that they "marked the same in alasting and permanent manner by mile-stones, or posts surrounded by mounds of earth where stones could not be procured." The stones, at the several points where the latitude was determined, were large and well marked and contained on the south side, "Pennsylvania, latitude 42 degrees N., 1787, and also the variations of the magnetic needle; on the north New York and their several distances from the River Delaware."

In making the original survey the commissioners had to surmount great difficul- ties on account of incompetent knowledge of the geography of the country, the death of their horses, time taken up in making canoes, and treating with the Indians. Their axemen and laborers had to cut a road through the wilderness to enable them to run the line, as well as to convey provisions and stores for their sustenance and comfort. The Indians at several points on the line-particularly in the country of the Senecas-looked upon them with suspicion, notwithstanding peace prevailed, and they had to cultivate friendly relations with them by making presents, and ex- plain to them the object of their work. This was the first road therefore that pene- trated what afterward became the northern part of Tioga county, and over it traveled many of the early explorers and adventurers from the east in search of homes in the wilderness.

The last boundary survey was made in accordance with an act passed by the Pennsylvania legislature in 1889, to co-operate with the authorities of New York in accordance with the provisions of the law of 1887, to make an examination and in- spection of the boundary line monuments between the two States. The commis- sioners made an elaborate report under date of December 12, 1893, which may be found in the report of the secretary of internal affairs for that year. They say that the line was "monumented by a joint commission of the two States during the years 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884 and 1885. The monuments, with exception of the large initial monuments, are of Connecticut granite, of a reddish gray, coarse texture, quite hard and durable."

They say monument No. 268, and mile-stone 115, "Is a small monument with diagonal grooves standing on a steep northwesterly slope on north edge of thick woods, about 100 feet west of the summit of the ridge. It marks the corners of Potter and Tioga counties, Pennsylvania. It is on line between properties

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

of C. P. Gill and Ralph MeCullough. This monument was found to be in good con- dition in every respect."

THE WILLIAMSON ROAD.

The next road through what afterwards constituted the territory of Tioga county, was built by Charles Williamson, agent for the Pultney estate in the "Genesee Country." The causes for the building of this great thoroughfare through what was then almost an unknown wilderness, may be briefly stated: In November, 1790, Phelps & Gorham by deed conveyed to Robert Morris, of Philadelphia, 1,250,- 000 acres of wild land lying in western New York and adjoining the State of Penn- sylvania, in what was more particularly known as the " Genesee Country," in the home of the Seneca Indians. April 11, 1792, Mr. Morris conveyed by deed to Charles Williamson the above traet, which has since been known as "The Pultney Estate." While these enormous operations in land were being made, it was eon- templated to found a colony, composed of Europeana, in this wild region for the purpose of improving the country and therefore appreciating the value of the land. Consequently in the spring of 1792, Charles Williamson, who had been appointed secret agent for Sir William Pultney, of Bath, England, arrived in this country and established his headquarters at Northumberland, while making arrangements to proceed to the magnificent domain that had been entrusted to hia care and manage- ment. And as a preliminary to beginning business in this country in due form, Williamson took the oath of allegiance before the court in Philadelphia and became a naturalized citizen.

While at Northumberland awaiting advices from his employer in England, Williamson was informed that about 200 emigrants would reach him in due season, and to make preparations to conduct them to their new home in the wilderness. An important question now presented itself. Which was the better route to pursue to reach the point of destination ? Up the Susquehanna by boat to Tioga Point, thence by the Tioga river to a point as near the proposed place of settlement as possible; or to cut a road by a direct route overland ? At that time the river route was the only one known, but it was long, eireuitous and dangerous. With the large number of immigrants under his charge, Williamson argued that a part of this foree at least might be advantageously used in the construction of the proposed road, and he therefore set about making preparations to carry out the project.

As this road would be a benefit to the country as well, Williamson made appli- cation to the Assembly for an appropriation to assist in its construction. After some discussion the small sum of £100 was grudgingly appropriated. This was not encouraging for such a great undertaking through 100 miles of wilderness. but it was accepted. Williamson secured the services as guides of Robert and Benjamin Patterson, two brothers residing at Northumberland. They had done distinguished service as scouts and soldiers in the Revolutionary army, and especially in watching and aiding in the repulse of the invading Indians on the West Branch of the Sus- quehanna, and as scouts in the country through which this road was to pass. They were familiar with the ground and therefore well equipped for the work. Their father, William Patterson, had distinguished himself in the French and Indian wars: their mother was a Boone, a near relative of Daniel Boone, the celebrated frontiers- man.

HISTORY OF TIOGA COUNTY.

The work of cutting the road through the wilderness was commenced in May or June, 1792. According to the draft now on file in the land office, it commenced at Loyalsock, passed through where Williamsport was afterwards built to Lycoming creek, up which it ascended by the Indian path to Trout rnn. Here the builders fairly entered the wilderness when they commenced the ascent of Trout run. The forest was dense and gloomy, but by dint of hard work a road was made over Laurel hill to the site of Liberty. From this point the site of Blossburg, on the Tioga river, was reached. At Canoe Camp, eight miles down the river, the road was abandoned, and the party set to work making canoes ont of the heavy timber which grew there. Having a sufficient number completed they embarked and floated down the river to Painted Post and then ascended the Conhocton to their point of destination, where they founded the town of Bath.

It was the custom of Williamson and his party to establish depots for the storage of provisions on the line of the road, and to erect a commodious log house to shelter the women and children, and then advance with the axemen, roadmakers, etc., and prepare the way. The "Block House" he established at what is now known as Liberty borough was constructed of logs and was about 20x40 feet in size. In front of it was erected a large bake oven, in which bread was baked for the party. This block honse stood in the midst of a heavy forest of timber and it remained there for years as a famous historic landmark.

Blossburg, or "Peter's Camp," was the next station where a depot was estab- lished. It took its name from a man named Peter. At Canoe Camp, eight miles down the Tioga river, the work of road building was temporarily abandoned, on account of the lateness of the season, and the party floated down stream in canoes which they had hurriedly constructed.

The next station was Apple Island, near Painted Post, and the last was about midway between Painted Post and Bath, the point of destination, which they reached in December. While Williamson and his party were tarrying at Peter's Camp (now Blossburg), Robert and Benjamin Patterson discovered coal, which was then pronounced by the English immigrants, "stone coal," to distinguish it from charcoal or wood coal. This was in September or October, 1792.

This thoroughfare was not finally completed until the summer of 1796, and it was regarded as one of the greatest successes of the times. It opened a country hitherto almost unknown, and shortened the distance between Northumberland and Painted Post almost 100 miles.

The undertaking was of such magnitude as to have almost deterred any other man bnt Williamson from beginning it. But being endowed with indomitable per- severance, tenacity of purpose and a well-balanced head, he accomplished what would have appalled and discouraged scores of others. But one of the great factors in the enterprise-one of the essential attributes to ultimate success-was in being backed by plenty of money by his English employers. Of course he had many diffi- cnlties to surmount and many discouragements to meet. The motley crowd of im- migrants he was conducting through the wilderness was hard to govern-at times re- bellious-and he was forced to be vigilant as well as rigorous. Unaccustomed to life in the wilderness, and having little knowledge of such work as was required in felling trees and road building, they were often a detriment instead of an advantage

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

to the real laborers. At times provisions ran low-as every pound of stores had to be transported on pack horses from Northumberland-when discouragements would set in. At Canoe Camp they became short of sugar, coffee and flour, when one of the Pattersons went through the wilderness forty miles to Tioga Point (now Athens) and purchased provisions, which were poled up the Tioga river in boats to Apple Island, where the famishing immigrants met them and a grand feast and jollification followed. Those who, only a few hours before, were mutinous at Canoe Camp, now, that they were provided with provisions, fell upon the necks of their deliverers, kissed them, and wept for joy.

It is hard to estimate the value of this great improvement and its advantagea in after years to the country and the people. The larger part of it ran almost due north and south through the entire eastern part of what afterwards became the county of Tioga. It was the first great improvement in the way of road building in this part of Pennsylvania. The path ent by the boundary line surveyors in 1787, ran along the northern limit of what became Tioga county; the Williamson road penetrated it from north to south and furnished an outlet to the country lying south. At the time of the construction of this road there were at least 15,000,000 acres of land in Pennsylvania west and north of Williamsport, and 12,000,000 acres west and north of Painted Post, making an aggregate of 27,000,000 acres upon which no white man dwelt !

When the great road-it was great for the time in which it was built-was com- pleted, Williamson was so elated over the success of his enterprise that he resolved on having some kind of a jubilee at his wilderness home in honor of the event. He con- ceived the idea of having a rude theater built in which there could be plays nightly while the festivities lasted. A race track was also projected, on which some of the 'finest horses of the time could be exercised.

What a bold conception for a pioneer in the wilderness, hundreds of miles from the center of civilization ! But a man of such daring enterprise as Williamson did not regard failure as possible. Ile at once set about making preparations for the grand event, and although it was not to occur within the territory of what afterwards became the county of Tioga, yet it felt the quickening influences of such a vast undertaking and profited thereby.

His plans having been completed, Williamson issued circulars and handbills, setting forth in glowing terms what he proposed doing, and inviting the citizens of Albany, Utica, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Northumberland, Lancaster, Har- risburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, Baltimore, Easton, Trenton, Wilkes-Barre, and numerous other places to come and enjoy the sport. Owners of fleet horses were invited to be present and enter them for the races. A liberal hospitality was to be extended to all, and they were assured that by visiting his sylvan home in the land of the Six Nations they would not only be surprised, but delighted. In his glowing description, and portrayal of the pleasures to be enjoyed, Williamson did not omit speaking of his manor, the fertility of the soil. the abund- ance of timber, the innumerable springs, rivers, lakes, inhabited by fish of the most delicious flavor, the cheapness of corner lots in the city of Bath and the golden op- portunity afforded the investor to secure a home in the garden of the Six Nations.

HISTORY OF TIOGA COUNTY.

His circulars and handbills were read at the State and National Capitols to grave members and senators and by the sporting fraternity generally. He also in- formed the public that he had stationed at Utica, Albany and New York, on the east, and at Northumberland, Harrisburg, Carlisle, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Easton, Reading, Alexandria and Richmond, on the south, trusted and tried guides who would meet and conduct gentlemen and their suites to his far-famed city upon the waters of the upper Susquehanna.

The reader of to-day can scarcely comprehend the daring proposition of this bold Scotchman of 100 years ago, when the country was wild and the sullenly re- tiring savages yet lingered on the very outskirts of this settlement-not as foes, for their confederacy had been broken by gallant Anthony Wayne, but as curious spec- tators of what the pale face proposed doing in the land where they had dwelt for many moons.

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History of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, Part 11

Author: Publication date: 1897 Publisher: Harrisburg : R. C. Brown Number of Pages: 1454

Author:
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Harrisburg : R. C. Brown
Number of Pages: 1454